Red Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe
Introduction
These jam bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery oat crust with a sweet raspberry jam filling. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Smucker’s® Red Raspberry Preserves
- Nonstick Cooking Spray (as needed)
- 1 1/2 cups Butter
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Grease a large baking pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the flour, rolled oats, and salt to the sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 4: Measure out 2 ½ cups of the dough and set it aside for the topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from the oven and stir the raspberry preserves. Spread the jam evenly over the warm crust. Then, crumble the reserved dough over the jam layer to create the topping.
- Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use other fruit preserves like strawberry or apricot for a different flavor.
- For a nuttier taste, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts to the oat mixture.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
- Chill the reserved dough before crumbling on top to prevent it from melting into the jam.
Storage
Store jam bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or oven to soften before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old fashioned rolled oats?
Old fashioned rolled oats provide a chewier texture and better structure in the bars. Using quick oats may result in a softer, less defined topping, but it still works if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well for a safe gluten-free version.
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Red Raspberry Jam Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Delightfully sweet and buttery raspberry jam bars featuring a crispy oat crust and a generous layer of red raspberry preserves, perfect for a homemade treat or dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping
- 1 1/2 cup Butter
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 3 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- Nonstick Cooking Spray (as needed)
For the Filling
- 1 cup Smucker’s® Red Raspberry Preserves
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat a large baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, butter, or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and 3/4 cup brown sugar with a mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the crust.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the creamed mixture. Mix on low speed just until blended to form the dough.
- Prepare the Dough for Baking: Measure out 2 1/2 cups of dough and set it aside. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base crust. Bake this crust for 15 minutes to set the foundation layer.
- Add the Filling and Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and stir the 1 cup red raspberry preserves to loosen it. Spoon the preserves evenly over the baked crust. Crumble the reserved dough finely over the jam layer to cover thoroughly.
- Bake the Jam Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned and crisp. This creates a lovely golden finish on the bars.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy these delicious jam bars fresh or store for later indulgence.
Notes
- Using parchment paper makes cleanup easier and helps remove the bars without sticking.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming with the sugars but not melted.
- Old fashioned rolled oats provide a chewy texture and nutty flavor; quick oats may alter the texture.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jam bars, raspberry jam bars, oat crust bars, homemade dessert, baked jam bars, raspberry preserves dessert

