This wild berry jam slice, with its sweet filling and buttery oat crumble topping, is the ultimate treat. Quick and easy to make, it will impress as a dessert or a snack.
You'll also love my fork biscuits recipe, these healthy flapjacks, and these chocolate flapjacks.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Bursting with Flavour: The combination of mixed berries provides a rich, fruity taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet, crumbly topping.
- Perfect Texture: The rolled oats in the topping create a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, juicy jam filling.
- Balanced Sweetness: Using both caster and brown sugar gives the slice a balanced sweetness without being overly sugary.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile: This recipe can easily be adapted with different fruits or additional spices to suit your taste.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Mixed frozen berries: Provide a burst of fruity flavour and natural sweetness.
- Caster (granulated) sugar: Sweetens the jam filling and helps it set properly.
- Corn starch: Acts as a thickening agent for the jam filling.
- Lemon juice: Enhances the flavour and helps activate the corn starch.
- Plain (all-purpose) flour: Forms the base and structure of the crumble topping.
- Cold butter: Adds richness and helps create a crumbly texture in the topping.
- Rolled oats: Give the topping a chewy texture and nutty flavour.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor to the topping.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Wild Berry Jam Slice recipe step-by-step
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160ºC (fan-forced) or 170ºC (conventional).
- Prepare the Jam Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen berries and caster sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until the berries break down and the sugar dissolves. Mix the corn starch with the lemon juice and add it to the berry mixture. Stir and bring to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool in the fridge or freezer.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and rolled oats. Using a fork or your hands, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with chunky bits.
- Assemble the Jam Slice: Line a 22 cm square baking tin with baking paper. Firmly press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the tin. Pour the cooled jam filling over the base and spread evenly. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the jam.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the jam starts to bubble around the edges and the crumble topping is golden and crisp. Allow to cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting into 16 squares.
📖 Variations
- Different Jams: Use different types of jam, such as apricot, strawberry, or blackberry, for varied flavors.
- Nutty Topping: Add 2 tablespoons of crushed nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to the oat topping for a nutty twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Spiced Topping: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble topping for a warm, spiced flavour.
- Fresh Berries: Use fresh berries instead of frozen for a fresher taste and slightly reduce the cooking time for the jam filling.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Chill the Dough: Chill the crumble dough in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help it maintain its structure and create a better texture.
- Jam Consistency: If your jam filling seems too thin, add an additional tablespoon of corn starch mixed with a small amount of water to thicken it further.
- Enhanced Flavour: Toast the rolled oats lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the crumble mixture for a nuttier flavor.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled jam slice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the jam slice in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To refresh the jam slice, place it in a preheated oven at 150ºC for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Ensure the jam filling is completely cooled before assembling the jam slice to prevent the topping from getting soggy.
Ensure that the base layer is firmly pressed and that there are no gaps. Also, spreading the jam filling evenly and not too close to the edges can help prevent leaking.
Looking for other fruit recipes like this? Try these:
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Wild Berry Jam Slice
Ingredients
For the Jam Filling:
- 1 kg (6 cups) mixed frozen berries
- 100 g (¾ cup) caster sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Topping:
- 225 g (1 ¾ cups) plain flour
- 225 g (1 cup) cold butter, cut into cubes
- 125 g (1 ½ cups) rolled oats, not quick-cooking
- 250 g (1 cup) light or dark brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 160ºC (fan-forced) or 170ºC (conventional).
Prepare the Jam Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the frozen berries and caster sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, until the berries break down and the sugar dissolves. Mix the corn starch with the lemon juice and add it to the berry mixture. Stir and bring to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool in the fridge or freezer.
Make the Crumble Topping:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and rolled oats. Using a fork or your hands, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs with chunky bits.
Assemble the Jam Slice:
- Line a 22 cm square baking tin with baking paper. Firmly press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the tin. Pour the cooled jam filling over the base and spread evenly. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the jam.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the jam starts to bubble around the edges and the crumble topping is golden and crisp. Allow to cool in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- The jam filling is made with berries straight from the freezer. No need to defrost them.
- Both light and dark brown sugar work well for the oat crumble.
- Chilling the jam slice before cutting is crucial to prevent it from falling apart.
- Ensure you use rolled oats, not quick-cooking oats, for the best texture.
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