Description
Delicious and wholesome Fruit Oat and Pretzel Bars featuring a crunchy pretzel-oat crust layered with sweet jam and fresh berries. These bars combine salty and sweet flavors with a tender crumbly topping, perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups salted mini pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fruit and Jam
- 10-12 ounces jam (strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry)
- 1/2 cup fresh berries, chopped (strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare the pretzel flour and dough: Using a food processor or blender, grind the mini salted pretzels into a fine powder or flour. Measure 1 cup of this pretzel flour and place it into a large mixing bowl. Add the old fashioned oats, all-purpose or whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture thoroughly until the butter is well incorporated and the dough is combined.
- Assemble the bars: Press one-third of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer. Spread the jam evenly over this dough layer, then scatter the chopped fresh berries on top. Crumble the remaining dough over the jam and berries as the topping layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns a beautiful golden brown color and is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and cut into 24 bars. Store the bars in a sealed container; they will keep fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar depending on desired sweetness.
- Fresh berries can be substituted or omitted based on availability or preference.
- Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
- These bars freeze well; store in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best dough consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pretzels and flour with certified gluten-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
