Fruit-Filled Oatmeal Bars
photo by Pamela P.
- Ready In:
- 1hr
- Ingredients:
- 6
- Serves:
-
25
ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 2⁄3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
-
fruit filling (or one of the options listed below)
- 10 ounces preserves
directions
- In mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and baking soda.
- Cut in margarine/butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the flour mixture.
- Press remaining flour mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9x2 baking pan.
- Spread with desired filling.
- Sprinkle with reserved flour mixture.
- Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden.
- Cool in pan on wire rack.
- Cut into bars.
-
FILLING OPTIONS:
- ***Following cookbook's 'shortcut' suggestion of substituting 10 oz jar of preserves in place of homemade filling, I used a store-bought, very dense, low-moisture apple butter (like a thick jam). I have also tried it with blueberry preserves but the preserves were too moist--it made the bars sticky not good.***.
-
RAISIN FILLING:
- In medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Add 1 cup raisins. Cook & stir until thickened & bubbly.
-
APPLE-CINNAMON FILLING:
- Peel/core/chop 2 medium apples. In medium saucepan, combine apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves. Bring apple mixture to a boil; reduce heat & simmer 8-10 minutes or until apples are very tender.
-
APRICOT-COCONUT FILLING:
- In medium saucepan, combine 1 cup diced dried apricots and 3/4 cup water. Bring apricot mixture to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon all purpose flour. Stir into apricot mixture. Cook and stir 1 minute more or until mixture is very thick. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut.
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Reviews
-
Very good! I somehow ended up with several opened jars of jams and preserves residing in my refrigerator, and this was a tasty way to make use of some. I used an organic mixed berry spread that included blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. I just tossed the dry ingredients and cold butter (cut into small pieces) into the food processor and pulsed until it was the proper texture. I used an 8-inch pan, so mine were slightly thicker than they would have been in a 9-inch, but we liked them that way. Thanks for posting the recipe!
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Great for breakfast or snacks on the go! I made this recipe with limited kitchen equipment while I was house sitting - only had a bowl, wooden spoon, and a pan. They came out great though - super easy. I used strawberry preserves and sprinkled currants all over with the top layer of crust. I recommend chilling overnight in the fridge for a delicious breakfast treat the next day. Jam will definitely make it sticky/gooey but after being in the refrigerator, they harden just a little and are easy to wrap up for snacks. My boyfriend and I love bringing these for trail snacks when we go hiking! I also used a different size pan than recommended so mine came out a little thicker. In total I ended up with about 12 bars (4 inches long X 2 inches wide X 1 inch thick)
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When using preserves for the filling, put some Italian unseasoned bread crumbs to thicken the preserves and the filling will not run. Will cook and blend well. I use this technique all the time. <br/>NOTE: Mix breadcrumbs well into the preserves until you get the consistency you like. Practice makes perfect, GOOD LUCK...........Anthony444
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So easy & so good. I made my usual subs of whole wheat pastry flour for the white & canola oil for the butter. I sprayed the bottom & sides of the pan with Pam, cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the pan & placed it bottom & sprayed with Pam again. Tasted buttery & flaky. I used an 8 oz jar of Blueberry Jam I had made. My husband loved these!
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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY
I'm an American based in Bangalore, India. In my spare time, I love horseback riding, reading, trying new restaurants, and hitting the gym. I also (naturally) love to cook, and find it a fun challenge to try to prepare some of my US-favorites while I'm here. It's not always successful though; some convenience ingredients don't make it here yet! :) My husband, in-laws, and friends enjoy trying my new creations, especially desserts and anything spicy.
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