There’s something magical about simple bakes during the festive season. When the days get busier and the to-do lists get longer, I crave desserts that feel homely and comforting—recipes that don’t require complicated steps, yet fill the house with the warmth of butter, oats, and sweet fruit.
These Jam Bars are exactly that kind of recipe.
#BakeWithDeepali
🍓 Jam Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour ((180g))
- ½ teaspoon
baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups rolled oats ((178g))
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar ( (165g))
- ¾ cup softened, unsalted butter ((170g))
- 1 cup strawberry jam or any jam/preserve of your choice ((240g))
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking tin with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides. Grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, oats, and brown sugar.
- Add the butter and cut it into the dry mixture until you have coarse crumbs that hold together when pressed.
- Press two-thirds of this crumb mixture evenly into the base of the prepared pan.
- Spread the jam in an even layer on top, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the jam, pressing gently.
- Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—about 1½ hours.
- Lift out using the foil, peel it off, and cut into 16 squares.
Video
Notes
Notes & Tips
- Rolled oats give the best texture.
- Choose a jam you truly enjoy—the flavour depends heavily on it.
- Borders prevent the jam from caramelizing and sticking.
- Larger crumble chunks = prettier topping.
- Cool fully before slicing for neat squares.
🧊 Storage
- Keeps at room temperature for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freeze up to 3 months with parchment between layers.
🎉 Serve With
A scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.They have a soft bottom layer, a generous spread of fruity jam, and a golden oat crumble that’s beautifully crisp on top. Whether you bake them for gifting, for snacking with evening tea, or for your holiday dessert table, they always bring smiles.
They’re also wonderful to make ahead, travel-friendly, and freeze well… making them perfect for busy festive days.
