Healthy Jam-Filled Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Is breakfast starting to get a little boring at your house? Maybe you are tired of eating the same thing every day because you don't have time to find a new recipe or time to make it. Having a few options available that are healthy and that everyone will eat and enjoy is essential for starting your day off on the right foot. 

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My family loves these healthy jam-filled oatmeal bars because they taste so good! I like them because they are easy to make, satisfy my kid's hunger (especially my teenage boy!), and are full of healthy ingredients. I like to serve them with a big glass of cold milk for the kids or a cup of hot tea for myself. 

Jam-Filled Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Oats are the star of the show in this recipe making the base upon which to build. Because I have teens it is important for me to serve them food that is high in fiber and complex carbs to fill them up so they aren't tempted to snack on empty, sugary junk food! Peanut butter adds a little protein which is also an important part of everyone's diet. 

This recipe can be made with either rolled-oats or instant oats. The only difference is if you use rolled oats you will need to put them into the food processor for a few seconds more than the instant oats before you make the recipe. 

What Kind Of Jam Should I Use?

The sweetness of these oat bars comes from the honey and the jam. What I love about these bars is that they are not overly sweet like other bars I"ve tried. The sweetness can be adjusted based on your preference but I think they taste great just the way the recipe is. 

I've tried a variety of different flavors of store-bought jam and natural preserves as well as homemade and they have all tasted delicious. What I found to be the most important aspect of this recipe is to make sure you don't use jam or a filling that is too liquidy or runny. 

The type of fruit-filling you use will determine how sweet your bars taste. Natural, fruit-juice sweetened or honey-sweetened will provide bars that are not super-sweet. However, if all you have on hand is a jar of jelly preserves go ahead and use it but know that the bards will have a higher level of sweetness. 

Food Sensitivities

Fortunately, our family does not struggle with food allergies but if your family does have food sensitivities this recipe is not only delicious but it can be modified to accommodate any allergies you or your children have. It is already egg-free and can be made gluten-free and nut-free too.  

Oat Bars Texture

These bars are soft and chewy not hard and crunchy. Served warm the jam will be soft and gooey and if served cold the jam will be a little more firm. If you are serving them to a toddler make sure to cut the bars into small bite-size pieces so they don't take too big of a bite!  

How To Store These Bars

The bars should be stored in an air-tight container to prevent them from drying out. They can be stored at room temperature or popped into the fridge if you prefer them cold. In a sealed container the bars will keep for 3-5 days. 

Jam-filled Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Ingredients - 

2 cups instant oats or rolled oats

1/4 cup flour - whole wheat or gluten-free blend

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. baking powder 

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2/3 cup all-fruit jam or preserves

Instructions - 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray an 8x8 glass baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.

• Place rolled oats into a food processor and blend until the consistency of coarse flour

• Add honey and peanut butter into a large microwavable safe bowl for 30 seconds until warm

• Mix the remaining ingredients into the warm peanut butter honey mixture EXCEPT for the jam. Stir until the mixture resembles thick cookie dough and holds together in your hands. If it is crumbly add a tablespoon of warm water to the dough. 

• Set aside and reserve 3/4 cup of the dough mixture. 

• Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish

• Spread the jam over the dough 

• Crumble the remaining dough over the jam lightly pressing to spread it evenly over the jam

• Bake for 20-24 minutes

• Cool completely before serving. 

 

These bars can be made in advance so you are ready to serve the most amazing breakfast this week! They also make great snacks for hungry kids (and moms)! Double the recipe then freeze one for later too. Frozen bars can be thawed and popped in the microwave for a minute to reheat.

For more easy recipes make sure to check these out:

Easy To Make Granola Recipe

Chocolate Lovers Triple Chocolate Zucchini Bread

French Toast Breakfast Muffins

What is your family's go-to food for breakfast?