Easy Raspberry Oatmeal Bars (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Oatmeal Bars that Are Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks or Dessert

I’m a big fan of oats (whether in the form of oatmeal porridge, or oatmeal cookies, delicious oat waffles, or our favorite honey oat bread).

And I definitely have to share these raspberry oatmeal bars with you.

They’re easy to make, are just the right amount of sweet, and make a great breakfast, anytime snack or a lighter dessert.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients required for these gluten-free raspberry oat bars are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: All it takes to make these raspberry oatmeal breakfast bars is just 10 minutes of simple preparation time, and then the oven does the rest of the work!
• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: The best part is that this easy recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy these oatmeal raspberry bars without worries!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free raspberry oatmeal bars recipe.

(For exact measurements or quantities, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipes Notes + Substitutions

• Oats: I used gluten-free rolled oats to keep this recipe gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free quick oats or instant oats if you prefer. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal oats instead.
• Gluten-Free Measure-For-Measure Flour: I recommend using a gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend that is meant to as a 1:1 substitute for normal flour. Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use same amounts of normal wheat flour or whole wheat flour instead.
• Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is the replacement for gluten in gluten-free flours. If your gluten-free flour blend doesn’t instead xanthan gum, make sure you add it in.
• Brown Sugar: I used brown sugar, but you can also use white sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend that you use granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar.)
• Cinnamon: I love the addition of ground cinnamon for its flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan of cinnamon.
• Vegan Butter: I used vegan butter to keep this recipe dairy-free and vegan. You may also use melted coconut oil instead (if using coconut oil for baking, I prefer using refined coconut oil which has a neutral flavor, as opposed extra virgin coconut oil, which has a stronger coconut smell and flavor). Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal melted butter or ghee instead.
• Raspberry Preserves: Raspberry preserves is the same thing as raspberry jam. If you don’t have raspberry preserves, you can also use any other berry jam (such as this mixed berry chia seed jam, or strawberry chia seed jam).
• Maple Syrup: I used maple syrup to keep this recipe vegan. You can also use agave nectar if you prefer. Alternatively, if you are not vegan, feel free to use honey if you like. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I recommend using maple-flavored monkfruit syrup sweetener (a maple syrup substitute that is low glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar as much).
• Vanilla Extract: I like adding a bit of vanilla extract for extra flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand or don’t enjoy the taste of vanilla, feel free to leave it out.
• Sliced Almonds: You can either slice whole almonds very thinly to make your own, or buy store-bought sliced almonds. Alternatively, feel free to use slivered almonds as well.

How to Make Raspberry Oatmeal Bars (Step by Step)

1. Preheat and Line

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8″ x 8″ square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

3. Mix in Wet Ingredients

Add the melted vegan butter, maple syrup and vanilla to the large bowl with the dry ingredients and mix until you get a homogeneous oatmeal crumble mixture.

4. Press Oat Mixture into Pan

Pack ¾ of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of the square pan, using the back of a spatula or spoon to press the mixture firmly.

5. Spread Raspberry Preserves on Top

Spread the raspberry preserves on top of the oat mixture.

6. Top with Almonds

Distribute the shaved almonds evenly over the raspberry filling layer.

7. Sprinkle Remaining Oat Mixture

Sprinkle the remaining amount of the oat mixture evenly over the top.

8. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25 minutes until the top layer is golden brown.

9. Let Cool Slightly Before Slicing

Let cool slightly in the pan before gently lifting the sides of the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Allow to cool to room temperature on a wire rack before slicing into 9 equal squares. Now go and enjoy these raspberry jam oatmeal bars!

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks

• Use Preserves/Jam of Choice: In this case, we’ve used raspberry preserves, but you can easily swap it out for another type of jam or preserves that you have on hand (such as blackberry jam, mixed berry chia seed jam, strawberry chia seed jam, apricot jam, plum jam).
• Use Fresh Raspberries: If you rather use real raspberries instead of fruit preserves, simply mash 2 cups of whole raspberries with 1/4 cup of sugar and then spread out the raspberry mixture over the oatmeal base.
• Storing: To store, place the gluten-free raspberry oatmeal bars in a single layer in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Recipe FAQs:

Other Oatmeal Recipes to Love:

• Honey Oat Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Easy Maple Oatmeal Porridge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Crispy Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Gluten-Free Oat Waffles (Dairy-Free)

Gluten-Free Desserts You’ll Enjoy: