Any Fruit Oat and Pretzel Bars: A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty
If you’re looking for a delicious, sweet and salty treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these Any Fruit Oat and Pretzel Bars are the perfect option. With layers of jam, fresh berries, and a crunchy pretzel topping sandwiched between a buttery oatmeal shortbread, these bars are bursting with flavor and texture. Packed with oats, a little brown sugar, vanilla, and just the right amount of jam, they’re incredibly versatile and can be made with whatever fruit jam or preserve you have on hand. You can even mix and match flavors for a fun twist. These bars are great for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a light dessert.
Why These Bars Are a Go-To Recipe for Me
I always have at least a couple of open jars of jam in my fridge—it’s just one of those things I can’t resist. I guess I’m a bit of a jam enthusiast! Growing up, I remember my grandpa starting his day with a piece of bread spread with salted butter and topped with jam, always with an extra pinch of salt. He loved that extra salty kick, and it became one of his signature ways of enjoying jam. It was a tradition I always found comforting.
As I got into cooking and baking, I found myself reaching for the same types of jams that my Nonnie used to buy for my grandpa. While I don’t necessarily spread jam on my toast the way he did (though it sounds pretty good now that I think about it), I definitely love using jam in my baked goods. In particular, it’s the perfect ingredient to use in the summer months when fruit is at its peak, and I want to capture those flavors in my recipes.
One of the best things about jam is that it’s a total shortcut in the kitchen. There’s no need to chop fruit, simmer sauces, or wait for anything to cook down. Just open the jar, spread it, and you’re ready to go. It’s an easy way to add vibrant, fruity flavor to so many dishes—and these bars are no exception. Whenever I have leftover jam from various jars that need using up, I turn to this recipe. It’s simple, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of everything you need to make these bars. The best part is that most of these ingredients are likely already in your pantry!
- Mini salted pretzel twists: These are used for the crunchy topping that gives the bars their signature salty kick. You can crush them up easily to create a coarse texture that’s perfect for sprinkling on top.
- Old-fashioned oats: These form the base of the dough and give the bars their chewy texture. Make sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best result—they hold their shape and texture during baking.
- All-purpose flour or whole wheat flour: This helps bind the dough together and gives it structure. Whole wheat flour can add a slightly nutty flavor, but all-purpose flour works just as well.
- Brown sugar (preferably dark brown and organic): This adds the sweetness to the bars. I don’t use too much—just enough to balance out the saltiness from the pretzels. The dark brown sugar also adds a subtle molasses flavor that complements the oats and jam.
- Baking powder: This helps the dough rise a little bit, giving it a soft, crumbly texture.
- Salted butter: For that rich, buttery flavor. Salted butter enhances the salty crunch from the pretzels and adds a rich, indulgent element to the bars.
- Vanilla extract: This brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile of the bars.
- Jam: The star ingredient! You can use whatever jam or preserve you like—strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, peach, or even a mix. The jam adds sweetness and moisture to the bars.
- Fresh berries: These can be added to the bars as an extra burst of flavor and freshness. I recommend using whatever berries are in season, but you can also use frozen berries if fresh isn’t available.
Special Tools
- Food processor or blender: To grind up the pretzels into a coarse texture.
- Mixing bowl: To combine all the ingredients for the dough.
- Rectangular baking dish: You’ll need this to bake your bars. A 9×9 or 8×8 dish works perfectly.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking dish for easy removal and cleanup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Grind the Pretzels
Start by pulsing the mini pretzels in a food processor or blender until you get a coarse flour-like texture. You don’t need them to be perfectly ground—some small chunks are totally fine. The pretzel crumbs will give the topping its signature salty crunch, so you want them to have a bit of texture.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Transfer the pretzel crumbs to a mixing bowl. Add in the old-fashioned oats, flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar. The recipe calls for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of brown sugar, but I usually go with just 1/4 cup for a less sweet bar. You can adjust the amount depending on how sweet you want your bars to be.
Next, add in the butter and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you form a soft dough. The butter should be softened so it blends easily with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Jam and Fresh Berries
Now it’s time to assemble your bars. Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of your baking dish. Next, spread a layer of fresh berries or sliced peaches over the dough. After that, spread your chosen jam (or a mix of jams) evenly over the fruit. For the best results, use a thicker jam to avoid any runniness during baking.
Once the jam is spread out, crumble the remaining dough over the top, covering the jam and fruit as evenly as possible.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen is filled with the delicious aroma of baked oats and jam.
Once they’re done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely before slicing them into squares. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but cooling helps the bars set and hold their shape.
How to Serve and Enjoy
These bars are perfect for just about any time of day. They make a great breakfast, especially if you use less sugar in the dough. They’re also ideal for a quick snack or a light dessert. You could even serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
While the recipe suggests letting them cool before slicing, I have to admit, they taste amazing when they’re still warm. If you’re in a rush or just can’t wait to dig in, warm bars with a little vanilla ice cream on the side are incredibly satisfying.
These Any Fruit Oat and Pretzel Bars are simple, adaptable, and a great way to use up leftover jam. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!