Jammy Berry Bars: Your New Favorite Buttery Oat Crumble Dessert
Experience the quintessential taste of summer with these irresistible Jammy Berry Bars! Imagine a vibrant, fresh berry filling, perfectly sweetened with a touch of jam to deepen those fruity flavors, nestled between generous layers of rich, buttery, and delightfully crumbly oat goodness. These aren’t just any ordinary treats; they are the ultimate snack or dessert, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re packing them for a sun-drenched picnic in the park, serving them as a delightful finish after a casual summer grilling meal alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply enjoying one with your morning coffee, these berry bars promise a smile-inducing, lip-smacking experience. Their exquisite balance of sweet, tart, and tender-crisp textures makes them an instant classic and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
There’s simply no denying it: it’s berry season, and the world feels a little brighter! Gardens, local fruit stands, bustling farmers’ markets, and even grocery stores are overflowing with an abundance of jewel-colored berry baskets, each one promising a burst of natural sweetness. Here in our neck of the woods, our early-blooming haskap berries have already yielded their delicious harvest, while the strawberry patch blessed us with bowls of wonderfully sweet, albeit tiny, strawberries. Now, our raspberry bushes are absolutely laden with juicy, ripe berries just begging to be picked. We’ve also been busy gathering saskatoon berries, transforming them into jars of homemade jam and refreshing juice, ensuring we capture that seasonal goodness to enjoy all year round. This yearly bounty is the perfect inspiration for baking, and what better way to celebrate than with a recipe that truly highlights their fresh, vibrant flavors?
For those who harbor fond memories of classic, old-fashioned date bars (often affectionately known as matrimonial squares), prepare to fall in love all over again with this lightened-up, intensely fruity rendition. Our berry bars take the familiar concept of a chewy, crumbly bar and elevate it with the bright, natural flavors of summer fruits. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability: you can use any kind of berries—whether fresh from the garden or frozen from last season’s haul. Think succulent strawberries, plump blueberries, tangy raspberries, or rich blackberries. And don’t stop there; even seasonal rhubarb or other stone fruits can be transformed into the luscious filling. The secret to an intense flavor burst? Sweetening the fruit with complementary berry jam instead of plain sugar, which truly amps up the natural fruitiness. It’s not just a hint of berry; it’s a full-on berry explosion with every bite! The sturdy yet tender oat layers ensure these tasty bars hold their shape beautifully, making them wonderfully convenient to cut into smaller squares for delightful snacks, perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon pick-me-ups. Or, slice them a bit larger and serve them as an effortless yet elegant summer dessert, perhaps with a generous scoop of creamy ice cream on the side for an extra special treat.
These jammy berry bars have quickly cemented their place as our new summer baking staple. It feels like I’m whipping up a fresh batch almost every week, and without fail, they are devoured with enthusiastic delight. Their simple charm, combined with the versatility to adapt to whatever fruit is in season, makes them an absolute winner. If you’re fortunate enough to have sour cherry trees producing a bounty, you might also enjoy our equally delightful variation, the Evans Cherry Ginger Oat Crumble Bars, which offer a zesty, tart twist on this beloved theme. These bars are truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little creativity, can result in something truly extraordinary.
Other Berry-licious Treats
If you find yourself with an abundance of beautiful, ripe berries, there are countless ways to enjoy them. Beyond these fabulous berry bars, why not explore some of these other wonderfully tasty berry recipes? Each one offers a unique way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season:
- Zabaglione with Mixed Fresh Berries
- Strawberry Flip Fruit Dip
- Stawberry Milk
- Ruby Fruit Salad with Pomegranate Glaze
- Chia Pudding with Strawberries
- Saskatoon Rolls or Saskatoon Cobbler
- Prairie Mess (Eton Mess with Rhubarb and Saskatoons)
- Strawberry Meringue Pie
- Cranachan (Scottish Raspberry & Whipped Cream Dessert)
- Mangoes and Blueberries in Yogurt Coconut Cream
- Blueberry Breakfast Pudding
- Blueberry Mayonnaise
- Blueberry Sangria
- Jicama, Fennel and Blueberry Salad
And if you happen to have extra jam sitting in your pantry, waiting for its moment to shine, these Easy Jam Tarts are an absolutely sensational way to use it up!
Which Fruits or Berries Work for These Bars?
The beauty of these jammy berry bars lies in their incredible versatility. While any type of berry will produce a truly fantastic result, don’t limit your imagination! You can effortlessly incorporate a variety of other fruits to create delicious and exciting variations. The key is to either match your chosen fruit with a corresponding jam for an extra intense burst of singular flavor, or to mix and match with complementary jams for a more complex, “fruit salad” effect that delights the palate. For instance, for a classic, matched flavor profile, you could use beautifully cut-up fresh strawberries with luscious strawberry jam, or plump, juicy blueberries with a rich blueberry jam. The possibilities are endless when you stick to matching flavors.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to get truly creative, consider exploring some mixed combinations. Imagine the tangy delight of thinly sliced rhubarb paired with sweet strawberry jam, or the rich texture of diced peaches perfectly complemented by a vibrant blueberry jam. Perhaps juicy raspberries with a delicate currant jelly? Let your imagination soar, and allow what’s currently in season or waiting patiently in your pantry to guide your choices. Each combination offers a unique twist on this already fantastic dessert.
A quick note on fruit types: If you’re using saskatoon berries, which tend to be a little firmer and less juicy than other berries, we recommend adding an extra tablespoon of lemon juice along with ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of water to the filling mixture during cooking. This ensures a beautifully moist and flavorful result. Conversely, if you’re working with particularly juicy berries, such as ripe blackberries or raspberries, you’ll want to increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons to ensure the filling thickens properly and maintains its delightful consistency within the bars. These small adjustments guarantee perfect results every time, regardless of your chosen fruit.
Easy Peasy Jammy Berry Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful jammy berry bars is surprisingly simple, making them a fantastic recipe for bakers of all skill levels. We’ll break it down into two main parts: preparing the luscious berry filling and then assembling the buttery oat crumble. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have these golden-brown beauties ready to enjoy!
Step 1: Crafting the Irresistible Berry Filling
First things first, let’s get that wonderfully fruity berry filling bubbling. It’s best to prepare this component first so it has a chance to cool slightly while you work on the oat crumble. Begin by selecting your berries – whether they’re fresh-picked jewels from the garden or convenient frozen berries from your freezer. If you’re using larger fruits like strawberries, be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and distribution. Toss your chosen berries gently with a bit of cornstarch in a saucepan. This vital ingredient will help thicken the juices, preventing a soggy bar. Next, stir in a dash of fresh lemon juice, which not only brightens the flavors of the berries but also helps with the gelling process. Finally, add your jam of choice, making sure it either matches or beautifully complements your berries. Cook this delightful mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it just comes to a boil and visibly thickens. You’ll notice the fruit softening and the liquid becoming glossy. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, jammy consistency in your finished bars.
Step 2: Preparing the Buttery Oat Crumble
While your filling is cooling, it’s time to create the heavenly oat crumble that forms both the base and the topping of our bars. In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl if mixing by hand), combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, your preferred flour (a gluten-free blend works beautifully here, or regular all-purpose flour for non-gluten-free diets), softened salted butter, packed brown sugar for that lovely caramel note, a hint of baking powder for a slight lift, a generous pinch of warm cinnamon, and a touch of fine sea salt to balance all the flavors. Beat these ingredients together on low speed until they are just combined and have transformed into a wonderfully crumbly mixture. If mixing by hand, use a sturdy wooden spoon or a pastry cutter to achieve the desired texture – you’re looking for pea-sized crumbs. If you enjoy a little extra crunch and nutty flavor, now is the perfect time to stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into your crumble mixture.
Step 3: Assembling Your Jammy Berry Bars
With both the filling and the crumble ready, it’s time for the magic of assembly! First, take half of your buttery oat crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared small square baking pan. This forms the delicious, sturdy base of your bars. Next, carefully pour that luscious, slightly cooled fruit filling directly over the pressed oat crust, spreading it out gently with a spatula to create an even layer from edge to edge. Finally, sprinkle the remaining half of the oat crumble mixture evenly over the fruit filling. Once sprinkled, gently press down on the topping with your palm or the back of a spoon to create a somewhat even and smoothed-out surface. This ensures a beautiful golden crust when baked.
Step 4: Baking to Golden Perfection
Now, pop your assembled berry bars into the preheated oven. Bake them for approximately 25 minutes, or until you see the fruit filling gently bubbling up around the edges of the pan, indicating it’s piping hot and perfectly set. Simultaneously, the buttery oat mixture on top should turn a beautiful, inviting golden brown. This golden hue signifies a wonderfully crisp and flavorful crumble. Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and the most challenging part begins: letting them cool! It’s essential to let the bars cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. This cooling time allows the filling to fully set and the oat crust to firm up, ensuring clean, neat squares. Once cooled, slice them into your desired size – 9 larger squares are ideal for a generous dessert portion, or cut them into 12-16 smaller bars for convenient snack-sized treats. Then, simply enjoy the fruits of your labor!
These Jammy Berry Bars are truly a celebration of flavor and texture – wonderfully fruity, sweetly jammy, and perfectly balanced with the rich, buttery, and satisfyingly oaty crumble. From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why these bars are so beloved. Their ease of preparation, combined with the endless possibilities for customization, means you can enjoy a new, exciting version every week! Simply use whatever fresh produce is in season or whatever delightful jam you have tucked away in your pantry. They are a fantastic way to enjoy the seasonal bounty and bring a little sunshine to your table, no matter the weather. You’ll be incredibly glad you gave them a try, and they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire.
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Guten Appetit!
Jammy Berry Squares
Margaret Bose Johnson
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Ingredients
for the berry filling:
- 3 cups (400gms) berries, fresh or frozen, (cut-up if using strawberries)
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup (150gms) jam of choice, to match the berries or complement them
for the crust and crumble layer:
- 2 cups (200gms) old-fashioned large-flake rolled oats
- 1 cup (140gms) gluten-free flour blend (or regular flour for non-gluten-free) link for my gluten-free flour recipe
- ¾ cup (170gms) salted butter
- ⅔ cup (130gms) brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup (50gms) chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (170℃). Grease an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) square baking pan.
make the berry filling:
- In a saucepan, toss the berries with the cornstarch. Add the lemon juice and jam and stir to combine.
- Cook the berries over medium-high heat, stirring often, just until they come to a boil and the juices thicken up. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the crust.
make the crust and crumble topping:
- Combine the oats, flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on low speed until combined and crumbly. Alternately, mix by hand with a wooden spoon or pastry cutter.
- Stir in the nuts, if using.
- Dump half of the oat crumbles into the greased pan and press down firmly to make a bottom crust.
- Pour the slightly cooled filling over the crust and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining half of the oat crumbles evenly over the filling and press them lightly with your palm to make the top even and smoothed out.
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling up a bit around the edges and the oat crumbles are lightly golden.
- Let cool in the pan, then cut into squares (9 squares for dessert portions, or 12-16 bars for snack-sized portions).
- Serves 9 to 16.
Notes
Instead of berries, you can also use diced stone fruits like peaches, apricots, or plums, or use diced rhubarb or kiwi fruit, too, for delicious variations of these bars.
Using matching berries and jam, like strawberries with strawberry jam, blueberries with blueberry jam, gooseberries with gooseberry jam. Or use complementary combinations, like rhubarb with strawberry jam, peaches with raspberry jelly, or blueberries with orange marmalade.