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Chef Joey’s Oatmeal, Fruit & Nut Bars

The aroma still takes me back. It’s a scent memory etched in my mind – the warm, nutty sweetness that permeated my grandmother’s kitchen every December. While the rest of the family busied themselves with tree decorating and present wrapping, I’d sneak off to the source of that heavenly smell: a pan of these very bars, cooling on the counter. The combination of chewy oats, crunchy nuts, and the burst of tart jam was irresistible, a little taste of sunshine during the darkest days of winter. These bars were more than just a treat; they were a symbol of home and the holidays.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 16
Yield: 16 bars
Dietary Type: Vegan

Ingredients

½ cup vegan margarine (or ½ cup light oil)
⅔ cup packed brown sugar
1 ½ cups oats (not instant)
½ cup spelt flour (white)
1 cup hazelnuts (toasted and chopped fine)
1 cup golden raisin
½ cup tart jam preserves (such as kumquat, raspberry, or apricot)

Equipment Needed

8×8 inch square baking dish
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Sharp knife

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center.
Lightly spray an 8×8 inch square baking dish with cooking oil. This prevents the bars from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the vegan margarine (or oil) and packed brown sugar until well blended. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and cohesive base. If using margarine, ensure it is softened but not melted.
Add the oats (not instant), spelt flour, and toasted, chopped hazelnuts to the creamed mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Remove one cup of this mixture and set it aside. This reserved portion will be used as the topping for the bars.
Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Distribute the mixture evenly and press firmly to create a compact base. A flat-bottomed measuring cup or the back of a spoon can be helpful in achieving an even layer.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the golden raisins and tart jam preserves. Ensure the raisins are well coated with the jam.
Spread this fruit mixture evenly on top of the pressed oat base, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges without any raisin mixture. This border will prevent the jam from burning during baking.
Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the fruit layer. Gently press down lightly to secure the topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Monitor the bars closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and cool the bars for about 10 minutes.
While the bars are still slightly warm, use a wet, sharp knife to cut them into 16 pieces. Dip the knife in water every time you make a cut to prevent sticking. The jam filling can be quite sticky, so this step is essential.
Let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting them again and removing them. This allows the bars to firm up and prevents them from falling apart.
Once fully cooled, gently lift the bars from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate.
These bars are delicious served warm or cold. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a dollop of non-dairy whipping cream or a scoop of vanilla soy ice cream.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Toasting the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins before chopping.
Preventing Sticky Cuts: As noted in the recipe, dipping your knife in water between cuts is crucial. But for even cleaner cuts, try chilling the bars slightly before the final cut. This will help the jam set a bit more firmly.
Achieving a Chewier Texture: For a chewier texture, slightly underbake the bars by a minute or two. They will continue to set as they cool.
Even Baking: Rotate the baking dish halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these oatmeal fruit and nut bars at room temperature, or slightly warmed for a comforting treat. They are perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast.

Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen bars will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: Reheat the bars in a microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	171.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	50 g	30%
Total Fat	5.7 g	8%
Saturated Fat	0.5 g	2%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	8.2 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	29.5 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	8%
Sugars	19.5 g	78%
Protein	2.8 g	5%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free oat flour blend in place of the spelt flour. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free.
Nut-Free: Substitute the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
Different Fruits: Experiment with different dried fruits such as cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots.
Seed Butters: Use sunflower seed butter instead of margarine for a richer, nuttier flavor.
Spice it Up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, comforting flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?
A: While you can, the texture will be different. Rolled oats provide a chewier texture, while quick-cooking oats will result in a softer, slightly mushier bar.

Q: What kind of jam preserves work best?
A: Tart jam preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or kumquat provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the oats and raisins. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors!

Q: How do I prevent the topping from burning?
A: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the baking dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead of time. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or frozen for longer storage.

Q: My bars are crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A: This is likely due to not pressing the oat mixture firmly enough into the pan. Ensure you pack it tightly to create a solid base. You might also have used too little margarine or oil.

Final Thoughts

I hope these Oatmeal, Fruit & Nut Bars bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. They are a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature version. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations! Share your photos and comments and happy baking!

Chef Joey’s Oatmeal, Fruit & Nut Bars Recipe