Jammy oat bars are easy to make and feel like a real treat, without being overly sweet. They’ve got a soft, oaty base, a layer of your favourite jam, and I like to add a few seeds like flax or chia for a little boost of fibre and healthy fats. It’s a simple recipe that comes together with everyday ingredients and works just as well for breakfast as it does for an afternoon snack.

The jammy oat bars bake quickly, keep well for a few days, and are easy to slice and pack into lunchboxes or take on the go. You can use whatever jam you have, strawberry, raspberry, or try this strawberry and rhubarb jam recipe; it’s a great way to use up any open jars you have hanging around in the fridge. They’re also a hit with kids, which always helps!

Main Ingredients You’ll Need

oats

I use jumbo oats to add more texture but use what you have on hand (don’t use fine ground oats like Readybrek). You can also use gluten-free oats.

flour

Plain, all-purpose flour. You can substitute for gluten free plain flour too.

jam

Use any flavour you like.

Sugar

Light brown, caster or coconut sugar

Questions

Can I use any type of jam for these bars?
Yes! These bars work well with pretty much any kind of jam – strawberry, raspberry, apricot, rhubarb, or even a mix if you have a few jars to use up. Try this strawberry and rhubarb jam recipe. Just go for something not too runny so it holds its shape during baking.
Are these oat bars suitable for freezing?
Definitely. Once baked and cooled, slice the bars and freeze them in an airtight container (with baking paper between layers if stacking). They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to eat
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the regular oats for certified gluten-free oats and use a gluten-free plain flour. Make sure your jam is gluten-free too (most are, but it’s worth checking the label).
Do I need to include the seeds, or can I leave them out?
The seeds are optional. They add some extra fibre and nutrients, but leaving them out won’t affect the texture or structure of the bars. Feel free to skip them if you prefer. Read more about the health benefits of these seeds here.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, they’re easy to adapt. Just use a plant-based butter and swap the milk for any dairy-free alternative like oat, almond, or soy milk. Also, check that your jam is vegan (most are, but it’s good to double-check the label). With those swaps, the bars turn out just as tasty.

Jammy Oat Bar Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking pan (about 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm) with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, plain flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and seeds (if using).
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spread two thirds of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan and press down gently.
Spoon your favourite jam evenly over the oat layer.
Carefully spread the remaining oat mixture on top of the jam layer, pressing down lightly (use folded up parchment paper to avoid stickiness).
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Jammy Oat Bars

Delicious and simple jammy oat bars made with wholesome oats, a layer of your favourite jam, and a boost of healthy seeds. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes. Easy to make with everyday ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 9

Course: Breakfast

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

190 g (1.5 cups) Oats
125 g (1 cup) Flour
60 g (1/4 cup) Light brown sugar
2 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp Salt
180 ml (3/4 cup) Milk of choice
80 ml (1/3 cup) Butter
1 tsp Vanilla
80 g (1/3 cup) Jam
2 Tbsp Seeds Flax, chia or hemp

Equipment

1 Large mixing bowl
1 Wooden Spoon
1 Small saucepan to melt butter
1 Square 20 x 20cm (8 x 8 in) baking dish
Baking parchment
Weighing scales / cups / measuring spoons

Method

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking pan (about 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm) with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and seeds (if using).
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Spread 2/3 of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared pan and press down gently.
Spoon your favourite jam evenly over the oat layer.
Carefully spread the remaining oat mixture on top of the jam layer, pressing down lightly. Use folded up baking parchment to avoid stickiness.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Notes

Use room temperature milk and melted butter for easier mixing.
Feel free to swap regular milk for any plant-based milk to make the bars dairy-free.
Make sure to press the oat mixture firmly when layering to help the bars hold together.
The jam layer should be thick enough to spread but not too runny to prevent sogginess.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
You can omit the seeds if preferred, they add nutrition but don’t affect texture much.
For gluten-free bars, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free plain flour.

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Jammy Oat Bars