Description
Deliciously chewy and fruity oat and pretzel bars that combine the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweetness of fresh berries and jam. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweet tooth while incorporating wholesome oats and whole wheat flour.
Ingredients
Base
- 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 salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 10-12 ounces jam (strawberry, blackberry, or blueberry)
- 1/2 cup fresh berries (chopped strawberries, raspberries, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Pretzel Flour and Mix Dry Ingredients: Using a food processor or blender, grind the salted mini pretzels until they form a fine powder or flour. Measure out 1 cup of this pretzel flour and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the oats, all-purpose or whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt to the bowl, mixing well to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the softened salted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough comes together, ensuring a crumbly but cohesive texture.
- Assemble the Bars: Press one-third of the dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base layer. Spread the jam evenly over this dough layer, then sprinkle the chopped fresh berries over the jam to add bursts of fresh flavor and texture. Finally, crumble the remaining dough over the fruit layer to cover it partially, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the bars are set, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool and Store: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, cut into bars and store them in a sealed container, where they will keep fresh for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your sweetness preference, starting with 1/4 cup and adding more if desired.
- Fresh berries add texture and freshness; feel free to use any berries you prefer or have on hand.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature to allow easy mixing and a smoother dough texture.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Optionally, warm the jam slightly before spreading to make it easier to spread evenly over the dough base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
