Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s classic Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, I decided to put my own spin on this delightful treat. While Ree Drummond’s original recipe is undeniably fantastic, I had a jar of Trader Joe’s Apricot Jam calling my name, and the result was absolutely amazing! These apricot jam oatmeal bars are just as easy to make and just as satisfying, perfect for a quick dessert, a lunchbox treat, or even a delightful breakfast bar.
The story behind these bars isn’t just about the delicious taste; it’s also about a little kitchen mishap that turned into a happy upgrade. It all started early one morning, fueled by a craving for something sweet and simple. I stumbled into the kitchen, the Pioneer Woman’s recipe in mind, ready to whip up a batch of these jammy oatmeal bars. Everything was going smoothly. Ingredients mixed, half pressed into the pan, apricot jam lovingly spread on top, and the remaining oat mixture sprinkled over. Into the oven they went, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
While the bars were baking, I started my usual kitchen clean-up routine. My camera, a trusty companion for capturing my culinary creations, was sitting on the countertop. As I moved a flour container, disaster struck. In slow motion (or so it seemed), my camera took a nosedive off the counter, crashing onto the unforgiving hardwood floor. The sound was sickening. My heart sank as I saw the lens come apart.
It was a moment of kitchen calamity, but every cloud has a silver lining, right? I had been contemplating a camera upgrade for a while, and this unfortunate incident gave me the push I needed. I took it as a sign and invested in a new Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a Canon EF 50mm f1.4 lens. Goodbye old camera (circa 2008), hello to faster shooting and even better food photos!
Close-up of apricot jam oatmeal bars in a baking pan, showcasing the layers of oatmeal crust and jam filling
These apricot jam oatmeal bars, ironically, were among the last photos taken with my dearly departed old camera. But fear not, the quality of the recipe certainly transcends camera equipment! The bars themselves are incredibly simple to make, perfect for even beginner bakers. The combination of buttery, crumbly oatmeal and sweet, tangy apricot jam is simply irresistible.
Whether you stick with strawberry jam like the Pioneer Woman’s original recipe or venture into the apricot version like mine, you are in for a treat. Kids, adults, librarians, and everyone in between will love these bars. Just be sure to keep your camera safe while you’re baking!
Recipe: Apricot Jam Oatmeal Bars (Pioneer Woman Inspired)
Adapted from the Pioneer Woman’s Strawberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 sticks salted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for greasing pan
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups oats (old fashioned oatmeal recommended)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- One 10 to 12-ounce jar apricot jam (or strawberry jam for the original Pioneer Woman version)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the oat mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the apricot jam (or strawberry jam) evenly over the oat mixture base.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer and lightly pat it down.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are lightly golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is important for clean cuts!
Enjoy these easy and delicious Pioneer Woman inspired apricot jam oatmeal bars! They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
