These bars are incredibly forgiving (forgot the egg? still tastes delicious!), and easy to pull together. The hard part is not eating the whole batch in one sitting. Based on this recipe by Stella Parks on Serious Eats.
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cup rolled oats
1 cup flour
1/2 cup raw sugar
1 t baking powder
1 t salt, plus a bit more for sprinkling
1/4 t baking soda
6 oz cold butter, cut into small 1/2" cubes
1 egg
2 T maple syrup
9 oz jam
Preheat oven to 350 and prepare an 8"x8" baking pan.
Whisk together the oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and soda.
Use your hands to squeeze and press the cold butter cubes into the oat mixture until you have a unformly pebbly consistency. You can pulse in a food processor, but you'll lose some of the oaty texture.
Add the egg and maple syrup, and mix thoroughly.
Reserve a cup of the dough, then gently press the rest into the bottom of the pan, making an even layer.
Spread jam on top, then season with a pinch or 2 of salt.
Crumble the remains of your dough over the jam or fruit layer, then pop in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
The bars are ready when golden brown and slightly puffed; baking time will vary depending on jam and pan type.
Cool in pan before cutting.
