Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness.
With a golden, crumbly oat crust and topping, these bars sandwich a vibrant layer of raspberry jam that adds just the right pop of fruity flavor. Ideal for dessert, snack time, or even breakfast on-the-go, they’re both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under an hour, they’re as easy to bake as they are to devour. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something homemade and sweet, these raspberry oatmeal bars hit the spot every time.
If you’re craving a dessert that’s easy to make, satisfying, and delivers the perfect balance of chewy, crispy, and fruity—look no further than these Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars. With a buttery base, a jammy raspberry center, and a golden crumble topping, these bars are as delightful to eat as they are to bake. Great for picnics, potlucks, or weekday indulgence!
Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars Recipe
Description
Delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars are a sweet and tangy treat with layers of buttery oat crumble and vibrant raspberry jam.
These bars feature a chewy, golden base made from rolled oats and brown sugar, topped with a luscious layer of raspberry filling and finished with a crumbly oat topping.
Perfect for dessert, snacking, or even breakfast on the go, they strike the perfect balance between fruity freshness and wholesome texture.
Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they’re ideal for picnics, lunchboxes, or holiday trays. Enjoy them warm or chilled, with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Raspberry Filling:
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This makes removal and slicing much easier later.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer (or by hand if you prefer). Cream them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should now be rich and glossy.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Then fold in the rolled oats and optional chopped nuts. The dough will be thick and chunky.
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Scoop about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula, your hands, or the bottom of a glass to press it down evenly to form the crust. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.
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In a small bowl, mix the raspberry jam with lemon juice and zest. If using fresh or frozen raspberries, gently fold them in. Spread this mixture evenly over the oatmeal crust. Try to cover edge to edge.
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Take the reserved oatmeal dough and crumble it over the top of the raspberry filling. You can break it into small chunks and sprinkle it to create a rustic, textured top. Don’t worry about perfection here—the uneven crumble bakes up beautifully.
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Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly around the edges. The edges should be firm, and the center slightly soft but not jiggly.
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Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30–45 minutes before attempting to slice. For best results, chill them in the fridge for an hour. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into bars or squares.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12g19%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 20g
- Protein 3g6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips for the Perfect Raspberry Oatmeal Cookie Bars
1. Use Fresh or Quality Preserves:
For a bright, tangy flavor, use high-quality raspberry jam or preserves. Avoid overly sweet or gelatinous options. If fresh raspberries are in season, mash a few and stir them into the jam to add texture and natural tartness.
2. Balance the Crust-to-Filling Ratio:
Raspberry oatmeal bars have two main components: a buttery oat crust and a fruity filling. Save about ⅓ of the oat mixture for the topping. This ensures a firm base and a crisp, crumbly top without overpowering the raspberry layer.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Overworking the dough can make the crust tough instead of tender. Combine the oat mixture just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture is crumbly. A food processor can help, but mixing by hand gives more control.
4. Use Cold Butter for Crumble Texture:
Cold, cubed butter helps create that perfect crumbly texture in the oat crust and topping. If the butter is too soft, the mixture may become pasty and dense rather than light and crisp.
5. Line Your Pan for Easy Removal:
Line your baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges. This makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan effortless and helps cut cleaner slices. It also prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
6. Let Them Cool Completely Before Cutting:
Warm bars can fall apart. For clean, even bars, allow them to cool in the pan completely—ideally for an hour. Refrigerating for 15–30 minutes before slicing can make them firmer and easier to cut.
7. Add a Flavor Boost:
Enhance your bars with a touch of almond extract or lemon zest in the crust to complement the raspberries. A small sprinkle of chopped nuts like almonds or pecans in the topping can also add a satisfying crunch.
Serving Tricks to Impress
1. Slice Into Bite-Sized Squares for Parties:
Cut the bars into small 1x1-inch squares and arrange them on a platter for finger-food-friendly treats. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.
2. Serve Warm with Ice Cream:
For a decadent dessert, gently warm a square in the microwave and top it with a scoop of vanilla bean or raspberry ripple ice cream. Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an elevated touch.
3. Add to a Brunch Spread:
These bars are a welcome addition to brunch or tea-time menus. Pair with fresh berries, yogurt parfaits, and herbal teas or mimosas.
4. Pack for Lunchboxes or Picnics:
Raspberry oatmeal cookie bars travel well and hold their shape, making them perfect for packed lunches, potlucks, or picnic baskets. Wrap individual portions in wax paper or foil for easy grab-and-go snacks.
5. Store and Freeze Wisely:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. To freeze, layer bars between parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect on their own but can be taken to another level with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Serve them warm or chilled.
Variations & Tips
- Jam Swap: Try other flavors like strawberry, blackberry, or apricot for variety.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts if you prefer or need to avoid allergens.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with vegan butter and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily for large gatherings—just use a sheet pan.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or microwave for a quick treat.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
These raspberry oatmeal bars are a go-to for their simplicity, flavor, and texture. The buttery oatmeal cookie base provides the perfect chew, while the jammy raspberry layer adds just the right amount of tang and sweetness. They’re crowd-pleasers that look and taste like they took hours, but they’re ready in under an hour start to finish.
Whether you're making them for a bake sale, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying one with a cup of tea, these bars deliver every time.
Conclusion:
Raspberry oatmeal cookie bars are a perfect blend of wholesome and indulgent.
The hearty oats and golden brown crust deliver a satisfying chew, while the raspberry filling adds bright, fruity contrast. They’re incredibly versatile—great for casual snacking, fancy brunches, or gift boxes.
With a few smart techniques and creative serving ideas, you can elevate a humble bar into a standout treat that never goes unnoticed.
Whether you enjoy them as-is, warmed with ice cream, or paired with coffee or tea, these bars are a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Their ease of preparation, adaptability to dietary needs (gluten-free oats, vegan butter, etc.), and freezer-friendly nature make them an essential addition to any home baker’s repertoire.
So grab your oats and raspberries and bake a batch—because one bite of these golden, jammy bars will have everyone asking for more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes raspberry oatmeal cookie bars so delicious?
These bars are a perfect balance of tart and sweet. The buttery oatmeal crust and crumble topping provide a chewy, golden texture, while the raspberry jam or fresh raspberries in the middle add a bright, fruity burst. The contrast between the crunchy oats and soft filling is what makes each bite so satisfying.
Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
Yes! Fresh raspberries can be used for a more natural flavor and slightly less sweetness. You can mash them with a little sugar and cornstarch to help thicken the filling. A mix of jam and fresh berries also works well—jam for structure, berries for texture and zing.
Are these bars gluten-free or dairy-free?
They can be! Use certified gluten-free oats and swap the flour with a gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free bars, substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Just note that these swaps may slightly change the texture, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How should I store and serve them?
Let the bars cool completely before slicing to help them hold their shape. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
They also freeze beautifully—wrap individually and thaw as needed. Serve them slightly warm or chilled; they’re delicious either way!
