These jam crumble squares sandwich a layer of sweet, fruity jam between a buttery oat crumble—with red lentils tucked into the mix for an unexpected little boost.
A classic crumble square is hard to beat, especially when it’s this easy to make. These jam crumble squares use whatever jam or preserves you have on hand, while tender red lentils disappear right into the buttery oat crumble. Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients for Jam Crumble Squares with Red Lentils
1/4 cup dry red lentils
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
2 tbsp corn syrup
1 cup jam, preserves or mincemeat
Directions for Jam Crumble Squares with Red Lentils
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 8-in square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In small saucepan, cover lentils with water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 min, or until tender. Drain well and set aside to cool.
- In food processor, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Add butter and corn syrup and pulse until well combined and crumbly. Transfer mixture to bowl, add cooled lentils and toss to combine.
- Press a little more than half of crumble mixture evenly into bottom of prepared pan. Spread jam overtop. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over jam, squeezing some of the mixture together as you go to create larger clumps.
- Bake for 40–45 min, until pale golden and jam is bubbling around edges. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, Nov/Dec 2016. Updated August 2026.
