Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

(pictures from the Pioneer Woman Cooks)

The beauty about this recipe is that it tastes so home-y. Like your grandma (the-one-who-makes-the-best-cookies-grandma) just whipped them up in her kitchen, patted them with love, and sent them straight to your mouth. They’re just that kind of good.

And in terms of difficulty, they’re child’s play. All you need do is mix up some dry ingredients + butter and alternate layering with strawberry jam in a pan.

I think I just made it sound harder.

First, mix up some flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in some cold butter until your arm starts hurting, er, I mean until the mixture is nice and crumbly and uniform.

It’s okay to take an arm break. Nobody will judge.

Anyways, butter/spray a 9×13 baking dish and pour in less than half of your crumb mixture.

Spread around and pat it like your grandma does. With a bit of TLC.

Then just spoon strawberry jam (or any type works!) on top and spread around gently. Then add the rest of the crumb mixture and stand back to admire your handiwork. It’s beautiful, I’m tellin’ ya.

Then you bake it until it’s pretty and golden brown and your kitchen smells divine. Ah.

Then you slice it and eat one. Or two. Or three. Or the whole pan. I really don’t care, as long as you don’t blame me for your nutritionally unsound decision. 🙂

Here’s the recipe for you all – enjoy! If you haven’t given these a whack, go right ahead! They’re always one of our favorites for parties and get-togethers. Yum!

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

• 1-3/4 stick Cold Butter, Cut Into Pieces
• 1-1/2 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1-1/2 cup Oats (quick Or Regular)
• 1 cup Packed Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 jar (10 To 12 Ounce) Strawberry Preserves

Preparation Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13 or 8 x 10 baking dish.

Mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle half the mixture into the pan and pat lightly to pack it a little tight. Spoon strawberry preserves evenly over the surface, then use a dinner knife to carefully spread it around. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly again.

Bake until light golden brown on top, about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in pan.

When cool, cut into squares and serve. Yum!