Raspberry Oat Bars

I've got a new obsession.

Anything that can be turned into a bar.

I've pinned all sorts of bar treats lately (which is also a new obsession of mine- pinning. What can I say, I was late to the game). For example, I really want to make these blondies. And these smore's bars. And these brownies. I need helppp.

But these bars...these bars, I had to make immediately. They had my name written all over them. I didn't think any other "granola" bar could come close to topping my favorite, but these come pretty darn close. I love how simplistic they are. They've got a crunchy, buttery crust and subtle sweetness from the jam. All you need is some butter, oats, brown sugar, and a fruity jam. It's a snack you can enjoy any time of the year.

I had to stop myself from eating them in two days. Perfection in a bar.

Source: Beloved Green
Servings: 15-20 bars

1 1/4 cups flour ( half whole wheat flour and half white flour)
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
2 cups oats
1 cup berry jam of your choice (I used raspberry)

Start by pre-heating the oven to 375°F.  In a mixing bowl pour in the wheat flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon and do a quick mix.  Cut the butter into thin slices and add into the bowl.  With a mixer on medium, mix until it starts to form a more solid dough.  Pour in the old-fashioned oats and kneed them in until all the oats have found a home in the dough.

Take 1/3 cup of oats and set them to the side.  Grease a 13x9inch pan.  Place the remainder of the dough into the pan and smash it flat until it is even across the base.  Next layer in the jam.  Finally take the 1/3 cup of oats that were set aside and sprinkle them over top.

Put the pan in the oven for about 25 minutes until the top of the oats start to turn a golden brown color.  Pull them out and allow them to cool.  Can be stored in a container out on the counter or in the refrigerator.