These simple Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are so delicious to share with the kids. They’re easy to make, are packed with berries, and are great for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
I am forever trying to make homemade snack bars my kids like as much as the ones from the store and these have been such a big hit.
These Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are like a cross between a fruit and grain bar and an oatmeal cookie—which means they are nutritious and so delicious.
Why this Recipe Works
The batter for these Raspberry Oatmeal Bars is easy to adjust for allergies, it can be made without any electric equipment, the bars have lower added sugars than other similar recipes, and they taste bright and fresh from the berries.
You may also like my Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, and Peach Crumb Bars for other similar flavors.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Raspberry Oatmeal Bars so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Rolled oats: The base of the crust for these Raspberry Oatmeal Bars is rolled oats, which are sometimes called “old-fashioned oats.” (If you only have quick oats, you can use those, too.)
- All-purpose flour: I like to mix flour in with the rolled oats to help ensure the crust holds together nicely.
- Butter: I bake with unsalted butter, though you can use salted butter if that’s what you have.
- Milk: I keep whole milk in my fridge, so that’s what I prefer to use here. You can use lower-fat milk or a nondairy milk if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract: Adding vanilla to the crust adds plenty of flavor that pairs nicely with the raspberry flavor.
- Raspberry preserves: You can use any store bought raspberry preserves or jam you like. (There are lower-sugar options at the store now, so look for that if you prefer.)
- Raspberries: You can use fresh or frozen raspberries here as they both work similarly in the recipe.
- Lemon zest (optional): You can add more flavor to the bars with some fresh lemon zest.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make these Raspberry Oatmeal Bars so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. To a medium bowl, add the dry ingredients.
Step 2. Add the wet ingredients and mix well into a uniform batter. Add the lemon zest, if using.
Step 3. Set aside 1 cup of the batter to use as the topping. Add the remaining batter mixture to the bottom of the pan, pressing evenly to cover completely.
Step 4. Evenly spread the raspberry preserves over the batter. Then the raspberries and press them down very slightly.
Step 5. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over top and press it down slightly.
Step 6. Bake until lightly browned. Remove pan from the oven and let cool on a wire rack until room temperature.
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars FAQs
You can use a store bought jam or fruit spread that is lower in added sugars (look for the words “natural”, “low sugar”. and “all-fruit”. Know that “zero sugar” products often contain artificial sweeteners, so look at the ingredient label too.
You can do half butter and half yogurt in the crust. The texture is softer and not as perfect, but that is an option that works.
No, though I’d use a pair of kitchen scissors to try to cut the berries in half so they are a smaller size in the fruit layer. This will help the bars hold together as intended.
How to Store
Store Raspberry Oatmeal Bars, once cooled, in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Best Tips for Success
- When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry, use your fingers to gently squish the dough together.
- Use a jam that you like the taste of since it’s a primary flavor in the recipe, either store-bought or my Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Jam.
- Let the bars cool fully before you lift them out of the pan and slice. Use a serrated knife to slice and/or push down slowly but firmly when slicing as you get through the top crumble layer.
More Oatmeal Bars to Try
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup natural raspberry preserves
- 1 cup halved raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a few inches overhang on 2 sides so you can easily lift the bars out when they're cooled.
- To a medium bowl, add the oats, flour, sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest, if using. Stir well to combine into a uniform mixture. It will be thick and should hold together easily when pressed between your fingers.
- Set aside 1 cup of the batter to use as the topping.
- Add the remaining batter mixture to the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing evenly to cover completely.
- Evenly spread the preserves over the batter. Then, sprinkle on the raspberries.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over top and press it down slightly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove pan from the oven and let cool on a wire rack until room temperature.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the cooled bars out of the pan. Slice into bars carefully using a serrated knife.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry, use your fingers to gently squish the dough together.
- Use store-bought jam or lower the added sugar by using my Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Jam.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cup for cup flour instead of the all-purpose and use certified GF rolled oats.
- Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the butter and dairy-free milk.
- To make without oats, substitute quinoa flakes.
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