There’s something about the combination of hearty oats, rich fruit jam, and a touch of cinnamon that transports me straight to a place of contentment — it’s like a loving hug for your taste buds! Here, we’re not just talking about a store-bought snack. Oh no, we’re diving into recreating that homely magic with our very own batch of homemade Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bars.
Table of Contents
How to make Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bars
Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bar is a type of snack or baked good produced by Nature’s Bakery, a company known for its wholesome and natural ingredients. Specifically, the Oatmeal Crumble product typically consists of a soft-baked oatmeal bar or cookie filled with fruit filling, such as raspberry or apple.
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Crumble:
- 1½ cups of old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Fruit Filling:
- 1¼ cups of your favorite jam (strawberry, apple, or raspberry work great)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Oatmeal Crumble:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Press about two-thirds of this mixture into your prepared baking dish to form a firm base. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping.
3. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Mix the cornstarch solution with the jam to enhance the consistency.
4. Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the jam mixture evenly over the oat base in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the jam, distributing it equally.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
6. Cut and Serve:
- Lift the cooled slab out of the pan using the overhanging parchment.
- Cut into squares or bars.
Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Crumble Bars:
- Butter is Better: For a richer flavor, using real butter is key. It gives the bars a wonderful buttery crumble.
- Consistency of the Filling: Ensure the fruit filling isn’t too runny; it should be more like a thick spread to maintain the structure of the bars.
- Variety is the Spice of Life: Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or even fresh fruits for the filling. Adding fresh fruit pieces can give an extra burst of flavor and texture.
What to serve with
Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your snack or meal to another level. Whether you’re enjoying them as part of breakfast, a snack, or even a casual dessert, here are some delightful options to serve alongside these wholesome bars:
1. Beverages:
- Coffee: A classic cup of coffee complements the sweetness of the oatmeal crumble bars. The robust flavors of a good brew balance the sweetness of the jam and the heartiness of the oatmeal.
- Tea: For a more soothing pairing, choose a hot tea. Herbal teas like chamomile or mint are light and refreshing, while black tea or chai can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
- Milk: A glass of cold milk goes excellently with the oatmeal crumble bars, especially if they’re enjoyed as a quick breakfast or a comforting evening snack.
2. Fruits and Yogurts:
- Fresh Fruit Slices: Serve your oatmeal bars with a side of fresh fruit like apple slices, banana, or a berry mix to add a refreshing and healthy touch.
- Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad, perhaps dressed with a hint of mint or a splash of citrus, makes a vibrant side that complements the denser, sweeter bars.
- Yogurt: A bowl of Greek yogurt, possibly topped with honey or a sprinkle of granola, adds protein and creaminess to your meal, balancing the crumbly texture of the bars.
3. Dessert Combinations:
- Ice Cream: If you’re serving the oatmeal crumble bars as a dessert, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can be delightful. The warmth of a freshly baked crumble bar against ice cream makes for a comforting dessert.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars for a decadent dessert option. This is particularly good with bars containing apple or pear jams.
4. Cheese:
- Soft Cheeses: A slice of brie or camembert can be a sophisticated accompaniment to the oatmeal crumble bars during brunch or as an appetizer.
5. Nuts and Seeds:
- Assorted Nuts: A small bowl of mixed nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, provides a crunchy contrast to the chewiness of the bars.
- Chia or Flax Seeds: Sprinkle these over a yogurt or smoothie bowl served with your oatmeal bar for added nutrients and texture.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating a delicious batch of Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble Bars can be a delightful and versatile baking project. Fortunately, if you’re missing an ingredient or two, or if dietary restrictions are a concern, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used without compromising on taste or texture. Here’s a guide on what substitutes you can use for each primary ingredient in the recipe:
Oats
Primary Ingredient: Old-fashioned oats
Substitutes: Quick oats can be used, though they might make the crumble slightly softer. For a gluten-free alternative, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. Steel-cut oats are not recommended because they do not soften sufficiently.
Flour
Primary Ingredient: All-purpose flour
Substitutes: For a gluten-free version, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend is the best alternative. Almond or oat flour can also be used but may slightly alter the texture. Keep in mind, when using almond flour, you might need to adjust the quantity as it’s more moist and dense.
Brown Sugar
Primary Ingredient: Brown sugar
Substitutes: Coconut sugar is an excellent alternative with a similar moisture content. For a different texture and flavor, honey or maple syrup can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the dry ingredients slightly to accommodate the additional liquid.
Ground Cinnamon
Primary Ingredient: Ground cinnamon
Substitutes: For a different, yet complementary, flavor profile, try nutmeg or allspice. A pumpkin spice blend can also work well, providing a more complex flavor.
Salt
Primary Ingredient: Salt
Substitutes: Sea salt can be used instead of table salt in the same quantity. If salt is avoided altogether, simply omit it; the impact on the overall flavor will be minimal.
Butter
Primary Ingredient: Unsalted butter
Substitutes: For a dairy-free version, coconut oil (solid) or a vegan butter substitute can work well. Applesauce can be used as a lower-fat option, though it might make the bars less crumbly and more cake-like.
Vanilla Extract
Primary Ingredient: Vanilla extract
Substitutes: Almond extract can provide a lovely aroma and taste, though it’s stronger, so use half the amount. Maple syrup or bourbon are also flavorful alternatives.
Jam
Primary Ingredient: Jam or fruit preserves
Substitutes: Any type of fruit butter, such as apple butter or pumpkin butter, can be an excellent substitute. Alternatively, you can cook fresh or frozen berries with some sugar and lemon juice to create a homemade fruit filling.
Cornstarch
Primary Ingredient: Cornstarch (used to thicken the jam)
Substitutes: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used in equal quantities. These alternatives work well for thickening and are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy the delightful experience of a Nature’s Bakery Oatmeal Crumble bar made right from the comfort of your kitchen. These bars make the perfect breakfast snack or a sweet treat for any time of day, offering a wholesome and flavorful option for your family or guests.
More Oatmeal Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Crumble:
- 1½ cups of old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Fruit Filling:
- 1¼ cups of your favorite jam
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Oatmeal Crumble:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Press about two-thirds of this mixture into your prepared baking dish to form a firm base. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping.
3. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Mix the cornstarch solution with the jam to enhance the consistency.
4. Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the jam mixture evenly over the oat base in the baking dish.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the jam, distributing it equally.
5. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
6. Cut and Serve:
- Lift the cooled slab out of the pan using the overhanging parchment.
- Cut into squares or bars.
