Indulge in a berry blast: quaker oats raspberry bars recipe that will make your taste buds sing

Quaker oats raspberry bars are a delectable treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the vibrant flavors of raspberries. This simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack on the go.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Quaker oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, and brown sugar.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or two forks to work it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to the crumb mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Press into Pan: Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
6. Spread Raspberry Jam: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the crumb base.
7. Top with Raspberries: Sprinkle the fresh or frozen raspberries over the jam.
8. Add Remaining Crumb Mixture: Top with the remaining crumb mixture and press down gently.
9. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set.
10. Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Variations:

• Chocolate Raspberry: Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the crumb mixture.
• Lemon Raspberry: Replace the raspberry jam with lemon curd and use blueberries instead of raspberries.
• Strawberry Raspberry: Use strawberry jam and fresh or frozen strawberries instead of raspberries.
• Almond Raspberry: Add 1/4 cup of chopped almonds to the crumb mixture.

Tips:

• For a crispier base, press the crumb mixture firmly into the pan.
• If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Health Benefits of Quaker Oats Raspberry Bars:

• Rich in Fiber: Quaker oats are a good source of fiber, which promotes satiety and supports digestive health.
• Low in Sugar: These bars are naturally sweetened with brown sugar and raspberry jam, making them a healthier alternative to store-bought treats.
• Antioxidant-Packed: Raspberries are loaded with antioxidants that protect your cells from damage.
• Heart-Healthy: Oats contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

Perfect for Every Occasion:

• Breakfast on the Go: Pack a few bars for a quick and nutritious breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a bar as an afternoon pick-me-up to satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.
• Dessert Treat: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
• Party Pleaser: Bring a batch of these bars to your next party and watch them disappear!

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I use rolled oats instead of Quaker oats? Yes, you can substitute rolled oats for Quaker oats in this recipe.
• Can I make these bars gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free oats and flour to make these bars gluten-free.
• How can I store these bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
• How can I make these bars vegan? You can replace the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water).