Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of chewy oats and juicy blueberries, perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome breakfast treat. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they offer a comforting balance of sweet and tangy in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
3. Step 3: Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Step 4: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, toss blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the oat base.
6. Step 6: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing down.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture.
• Use frozen blueberries directly from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to compensate for the extra moisture.
• Swap blueberries for raspberries or mixed berries for a different flavor twist.
• To make them vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based sugar alternative.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or enjoy them chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can use quick oats, old-fashioned oats provide a better texture and chewiness for these bars. Quick oats may result in a softer, less structured bar.

Do I need to thaw frozen blueberries before baking?

No, you can use frozen blueberries directly. Just be aware that they may release more juice during baking, so slightly increasing the baking time can help achieve the right consistency.

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

Delicious and wholesome Blueberry Oatmeal Bars featuring a crumbly oat base, fresh or frozen blueberries, and a sweet cinnamon-spiced topping. These bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert treat.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars (3×3 grid) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit Filling

• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Stir these ingredients together until evenly mixed.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed.
4. Form the base layer: Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid base layer for the bars.
5. Prepare blueberry filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Spread this mixture evenly over the oat base in the pan.
6. Add topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the blueberry layer and gently press it down to lightly adhere.
7. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly and cooked through.
8. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares for serving.

Notes

• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used; if frozen, no need to thaw before baking.
• For a vegan version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm flavor that complements the blueberries.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Keywords: blueberry oatmeal bars, blueberry snack bars, healthy breakfast bars, oat bars, baked blueberry bars, easy blueberry dessert