Because Oatmeal + Fruit Equals Breakfast (Obviously)
Are we *possibly* trying to convince ourselves that these raspberry oatmeal bars are an acceptable breakfast food? Perhaps. But, these delicious-anytime raspberry oat bars are super portable for an easy breakfast on-the-go, or for camping and car snacks. Better yet, our raspberry bars recipe comes together in less than the time it takes to make a pot of coffee. Make them for breakfast, and finish them for dessert. Or, vice versa! Either way, the tender oatmeal crumb and tangy raspberry filling make this one of our favorite raspberry recipes, ever.
Can I Use Frozen Fruit in My Oatmeal Jam Bars?
Of course! We love the sun-kissed flavor just-plucked berries brings to these raspberry streusel bars, but when fresh isn’t available, frozen works just fine. Just remember that frozen fruit will give off more liquid while baking, so you’ll want to let the tray cool completely before cutting to let the jammy middle firm up. You’ll also want to mix the raspberry filling ingredients in a microwave safe bowl all together for 30 seconds so the ingredients are mixable! And, of course, raspberries are just the beginning! Our oatmeal breakfast bars are a great breakfast bar recipe to use with:
Blackberries
Blueberries
Plums
Peaches and nectarines
Or, go hog wild and combine whatever random, open bags of fruit you have hanging around in the freezer (you have those too, right?). Anyway, you really can’t go wrong.
What Goes into a Streusel Topping?
Basically, a whole lot of deliciousness. Traditional streusel toppings call for butter, but we like the flavor coconut oil brings to this particular raspberry bar recipe (with a few quick adjustments these bars can easily be made vegan). Slivered almonds and unsweetened coconut flakes also made the cut in our version, because we love the added crunchy texture and nutty flavor. But, the best part of our raspberry crumble bars? The crispy streusel topping recipe doubles as the bottom crust of the berry bars! It doesn’t get any easier than that.
Vegan Berry Bars, You Say?
A vegan raspberry bar? You betcha! Our raspberry crumble bars with fresh raspberries are already dairy-free, and with a few simple tweaks easily become vegan, too. Here’s how:
In the crust/topping: Opt for an unrefined sugar, instead of conventional brown sugar, since some companies use bone char in the refining process.
For the jammy middle: Use your favorite vegan liquid sweetener, in place of the honey. Easy-peasy!
How to Make Breakfast Bars
Ye bet you can have these easy raspberry squares prepped and in the oven by the time it takes you to finish your first cup of coffee. Here’s all it takes to make our raspberry jam bars:
Combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, slivered almonds, and unsweetened, shredded coconut. Drizzle melted coconut oil on top and stir until you’ve got a crumbly streusel dough.
Stir together your raspberries—fresh or frozen—and honey with cornstarch and almond extract to make the ruby red, could-eat-with-a-spoon jammy filling.
Press ⅔ of the crust mixture into the pan—this part is really fun for kiddos to help with!—spread the raspberry filling on top, making sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the pan so that every raspberry square is equally delicious.
Crumble remaining crust mixture on top and bake!
Brew a second cup of coffee to go with your hot-from-the-over raspberry breakfast bar!
Tools You’ll Need to Make Raspberry Bars
- 8x8-inch pan. Go ahead and eat that last fudgy brownie—got to free up the pan for breakfast!
- A few good mixing bowls.
- Wooden spoon/spoonula/any type of stirring utensil that isn’t a whisk.
Need More Car Snacks to Drown Out the “Are We There, Yet??
Whip up these easy on-the-go snacks, toss them in the car and bask in the satiated silence:
Leftover Raspberry Almond Bars?
Snap a pic before they’re gone and tag us on Instagram @themodernproper and #themodernproper.
