Strawberry Oatmeal Bars

I wanted to use up a jar of strawberry jam which I bought during my last trip to Cameron Highlands. Since I do make my own homemade jam, this jar of strawberry jam has been left forgotten, hidden behind other stuffs on my pantry shelf. 

I used the jam to make Strawberry Oatmeal Bars, recipe from The Pioneer Woman. 

Very easy to make, simply mix flour, oats, baking powder, butter into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle half of this mixture into a greased pan, pressing down lightly to pack it, spread evenly with the strawberry jam and sprinkle with the remaining half oats mixture. Bake until golden 30 to 40 minutes.

You got to grease the pan you are using, really well, I think it would be better to line with parchment paper. I did not line my baking dish, simply greased it with butter, and I have difficulty removing the bars.

I find the bars a little dry and crumbly, but it tasted really nice.

And wonderful with a cup of warm tea.

Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
(adapted from The Pioneer Women)
1-3/4 stick cold water, cut into pieces
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups oats (quick or regular)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 jar (10 to 12 ounces) strawberry preserves

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 or 8x10 baking dish.
Mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle half the mixture into the pan and pat lightly to pack it a little tight. Spoon strawberry preserves evenly over the surface, then use a dinner knife to carefully spread it around. Sprinkle the other half of the oat mixture over the top and pat lightly again.

Bake until golden brown on top, about 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in pan.

When cool, cut into squares and serve.

I'm linking this to Cook Like A Star, featuring Ree Drummond as the star for this month, hosted by Zoe from Bake For Happy Kids, Baby Sumo from Eat Your Heart Out and Mich from Piece of Cake.