Description
Discover the best Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, a nutritious and customizable snack that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter or coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a spacious bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, flour (or gluten-free blend), light brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Stir together until evenly mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter (or coconut oil) and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients form a crumbly texture that holds together nicely when pressed.
- Form Base Layer: Firmly press half of this oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a compact and even crust that acts as the foundation of your bars.
- Prepare Blueberry Filling: In a separate bowl, mix your blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the blueberries, then spread this juicy mixture evenly over the oat base.
- Add Topping Layer: Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the blueberry layer. Gently press down to adhere it to the fruit filling and ensure a solid top layer.
- Bake: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, and the blueberry filling is bubbling delightfully.
- Cool & Slice: After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set properly. Once cool, lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into 12 squares.
Notes
- Optimal Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for a chewy texture; quick oats can yield softer results, which may not hold together as well.
- Thicken Filling: Toss blueberries with sugar and cornstarch to achieve a thick, jammy filling and prevent sogginess during baking.
- Press Firmly: When creating the base and topping layers, ensure you press the oat mixture down firmly for a compact bar that holds its shape.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling or leakage of the blueberry filling, ensuring perfectly cut squares.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding lemon zest for brightness, or consider drizzling with a glaze after baking for extra sweetness.
- Freezing Tip: These delightful Blueberry Oatmeal Bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly before freezing and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, healthy snack, meal prep, customizable snack