Jam Bars

Richly sweetened with all-fruit preserves, these jam bars are a fun treat for kids and adults alike. Try them with almond tea, or as an after school snack or, if you bake them in the evening, they can serve as a quick breakfast with a fruit smoothie.

Makes: 12 bars

• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 tablespoon light vegetable oil
• 3/4 to 1 cup all-fruit preserves

Streusel topping:

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 tablespoons natural granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 tablespoon light vegetable oil

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir together. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the applesauce and oil. Stir together until the wet and dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Spread the batter into a lightly oiled 9- by 9-inch baking pan with the help of a baking spatula. Carefully spread the preserves evenly over the batter, also using the spatula.

In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the streusel topping and stir together until evenly coated with the oil. Sprinkle evenly over the preserves, and pat down gently.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the topping is golden. Allow to cool until just warm, then cut into four sections in one direction, and 3 sections in the other to make 12 pieces. Cool until just warm, then cut into four sections in one direction, and 3 sections in the other to make 12 pieces.

• Sweet tooth still craving? Here are more Vegan Baking and Sweets.
• Explore more of VegKitchen’s Vegan Cookies and Bars.