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I am having a crazy problem this year, I have too much freezer jam left from last year and jam season is nearing again, I have to use it up!  Because of this I have been daydreaming about what I can do with the jam, and the ideas are endless.  My solution (if you can really call this a problem I’m not sure!) today was to use some raspberry jam and make semi-healthy oatmeal bars, it was a success!

In an effort to make these bars a bit healthier I used half butter and half applesauce, but these would be just as good with all butter, if you’re so inclined (or out of apple sauce). I also used whole wheat flour, but once again, all purpose would work just great too!  These bars are good enough to be a dessert and healthy enough to pass as a snack (or maybe even breakfast!)  Make sure you save some for the next day because the flavors mix and yum, they’re good!

Raspberry Oatmeal Bars

Adapted from Joy of Baking

  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup apple sauce
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 cups rolled oats, divided
  • 1 cup raspberry jam

Preheat the oven to 350.  Lightly grease an 8×8 inch pan.

In a large bowl beat butter, apple sauce and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.  Add the egg and extracts and beat until incorporated.

In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt.  Whisk until combined.  Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir until well combined.  Add 1 3/4 cup oatmeal.  Once the oatmeal is well incorporated press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Spread the jam across the oatmeal base.  Add the rest of the oatmeal to the  dough and mix until combined.  Crumble the mixture evenly over the top of the jam.

Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes.  Place on a wire rack to cool and then cut into squares.  Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for another day.