Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Delicious and wholesome blueberry oatmeal bars that combine a crumbly oat crust with a sweet, juicy blueberry filling. These bars are perfect for a healthy snack or a breakfast treat, offering a balance of fruity flavor and hearty texture baked to golden perfection.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Oat Base
- 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
Blueberry Filling
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Base: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Crumble: Pour in the melted unsalted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined; this forms the base of your bars.
- Press Base into Pan: Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid base layer.
- Prepare Blueberry Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. This will sweeten the berries and help thicken the filling during baking.
- Layer Blueberries Over Base: Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed oat base in the pan.
- Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining half of the oat mixture over the blueberry layer, gently pressing it down to form a crunchy topping that holds together.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbly and set.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut them into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw before mixing to prevent excess liquid in the filling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the blueberries.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Keywords: blueberry oatmeal bars, healthy blueberry bars, baked oatmeal dessert, blueberry snack bars, easy blueberry bars