Are you tired of boring, store-bought granola bars that lack flavor and excitement? Get ready to transform your snack game with these mouthwatering Jam Filled Granola Bars that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a perfectly crisp, golden bar with a surprise burst of fruity jam in every single bite - this isn't just a snack, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup jam of choice
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the almond butter and honey. Microwave the mixture in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is smooth and well combined. This should take about 30-45 seconds total.
- Pour the almond butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Stir well until all the oats and nuts are fully coated.
- Transfer half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly and evenly to create a solid base layer.
- Spread the jam of your choice evenly over the pressed oat mixture, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the jam layer. Gently press it down to ensure it sticks together and covers the jam evenly.
- Bake the granola bars in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the granola mixture into 12 equal bars. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Tips
- Choose a high-quality jam with intense fruit flavor to make your bars truly spectacular. Raspberry, strawberry, or mixed berry work wonderfully.
- For extra crunch, toast your nuts and oats briefly in the oven before mixing them together. This will enhance their natural flavors.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure your bars hold together well. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (with a light coating of oil) to create a compact layer.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. Patience is key to achieving perfect, clean-cut bars.
- Experiment with different nut butter options like cashew or peanut butter to create unique flavor variations of this versatile recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
