Homemade Oatmeal Jam Bars
These Homemade Oatmeal Jam Bars are a delightful twist on the classic Nutri-Grain Bars, using a simple boxed cake mix as a base. They are incredibly easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert. With a crumbly oat and cake mixture layered with your choice of fruity preserves, these bars offer a comforting sweetness with the nutritional benefit of oats.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow cake mix
18.25 ounces (unprepared)
Butter
3/4 cup (melted)
Quick oats
2.5 cups (as is)
Preserves or Jam
12 ounces (mixed with water)
Water
1 tablespoon (to mix with preserves)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan.
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the 3/4 cup of butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and quick oats.
4
Pour the melted butter into the oat and cake mixture, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly.
5
Spread approximately half of this crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly to form the base.
6
In a small bowl, mix your chosen preserves or jam with 1 tablespoon of water until smooth.
7
Spread the jam mixture evenly over the pressed crumb base in the baking pan.
8
Cover the jam layer with the remaining crumb mixture, spreading it evenly and patting down gently.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 pieces.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Oatmeal Jam Bars?
These bars are a homemade alternative to Nutri-Grain bars, made using a cake mix base, quick oats, and fruit preserves.
What type of cake mix is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 18.25-ounce package of yellow cake mix used in its dry, unprepared state.
How many ingredients are required for these jam bars?
There are 5 simple ingredients: yellow cake mix, butter, quick oats, fruit preserves or jam, and water.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
The recipe specifies quick oats for the best crumb texture, but rolled oats can be used if you prefer a chewier, more rustic bar.
What size baking pan should I use?
Use a standard 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease the pan to ensure the bars can be removed easily after baking.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of melted butter.
Why do I need to add water to the jam?
Mixing 1 tablespoon of water with the jam helps thin it slightly so it spreads more evenly over the crumb base.
How many bars does one batch make?
One 9x13 pan yields approximately 24 individual bars.
How long do the oatmeal jam bars need to bake?
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top layer is a light golden brown.
Should I prepare the cake mix according to the box instructions?
No, use the cake mix dry. Do not add the eggs or oil typically listed on the box; only follow the recipe instructions.
Can I use any flavor of jam or preserves?
Yes, you can use any fruity preserves such as strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or blueberry.
How do I assemble the layers of the bars?
Press half the oat mixture into the pan, spread the jam on top, and then cover with the remaining oat mixture.
Should I wait for the bars to cool before cutting them?
Yes, it is important to allow the bars to cool completely in the pan so they set properly before cutting into pieces.
Are these bars suitable for breakfast?
Yes, they make for an excellent quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and crumbly texture, but margarine can be substituted if necessary.
How should I store these oatmeal bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually or store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What is the texture of these bars?
They have a soft, crumbly oat texture with a sweet, fruity jam center.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, you can mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat and cake mix for added crunch.
Can I use a different color cake mix?
While yellow cake mix is standard, white cake mix or even spice cake mix would work well with certain jam flavors.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this is an extremely simple recipe that requires minimal prep and basic kitchen tools.
How much jam is required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of preserves or jam.
What if I don't have a 9x13 pan?
You can use a smaller pan, but the bars will be much thicker and will require a longer baking time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can attempt this by using a gluten-free cake mix and certified gluten-free oats.
Should the butter be hot when added to the mix?
It is best to let the melted butter cool slightly before mixing it with the cake mix and oats.
How do I know when the bars are done?
Look for the edges to be bubbling slightly and the crumbly top to be a light golden color.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of jam?
Fresh fruit may release too much moisture. It is better to stick with preserves or cook the fruit down into a thick sauce first.
How many cups of oats are needed?
The recipe requires 2.5 cups of quick oats.