Quaker Fruit 'N Oat Bars
Delicious fruit 'N oat bars feature a chewy oat crust topped with sweet fruit preserves, perfect for a quick snack or packed lunch for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11 x 7-inch glass baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts, salt, and baking soda.
- Add melted margarine to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Reserve 3/4 cup of the oat mixture for topping.
- Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Spread the fruit preserves evenly over the pressed oat mixture.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the preserves.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of fruit preserves, which will still provide moisture and flavor. Additionally, using whole wheat flour can increase the fiber content while maintaining a similar texture.
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a delightful snack on their own or can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial breakfast, pair them with yogurt and fresh fruit. They also complement well with a side of Pepper Pickles for a sweet and savory contrast, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, cut the bars into squares and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quaker Fruit 'N Oat Bars contains roughly 242 calories, with 2g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of fruit preserves?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any flavor of fruit preserves you enjoy, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry. Each will bring a unique taste and sweetness to the bars, making it a fun way to customize the recipe.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, to make this recipe vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and use fruit preserves that do not contain gelatin. Ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well for a delicious result.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).