Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Oatmeal bars are a classic and versatile treat, known for their hearty texture and the ability to incorporate a variety of fruits, nuts, and spices. Blueberry oatmeal bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the bright, slightly tart sweetness of blueberries, creating a satisfying and delicious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

The addition of blueberries to oatmeal bars gives them a natural burst of sweetness and flavor, while the oats add fiber and texture, making these bars a more wholesome alternative to traditional baked goods. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, these blueberry oatmeal bars are a great option. They’re easy to make, customizable, and can be stored for later use, making them a practical choice for busy families or anyone who enjoys home-baked goods.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Filling

Start by preparing the blueberry filling to allow the flavors to meld while you make the oatmeal base.

1. Prepare the Blueberries: If using fresh blueberries, wash them and remove any stems. If using frozen blueberries, thaw them in a colander and gently press out any excess moisture to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

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2. Cook the Filling: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency.

3. Set Aside to Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the blueberry mixture cool while you prepare the oatmeal base.

Step 2: Make the Oatmeal Base

Now, let’s prepare the oatmeal base that will hold everything together.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch (or 8×8-inch) square baking pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Use a spoon or your hands to mix until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick but should hold together when pressed.

4. Press the Base into the Pan: Press half of the oatmeal mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming the first layer of the bars. Make sure the layer is compact to avoid crumbling later on.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Once the oatmeal base is in place, it’s time to add the blueberry filling and top it off.

1. Spread the Blueberry Filling: Spoon the cooled blueberry mixture over the oatmeal base. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the surface, ensuring that the blueberries are well-distributed.

2. Add the Remaining Oatmeal Mixture: Take the remaining oatmeal dough and crumble it evenly over the blueberry layer. You don’t need to fully cover it—leaving some gaps will give the bars a rustic look and allow the blueberries to peek through.

3. Make the Topping (Optional): If you’d like a crunchy topping, mix the additional oats, brown sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the bars for added texture and sweetness.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Now that your bars are assembled, it’s time to bake them.

1. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re using frozen blueberries, the baking time may be slightly longer.

2. Cool: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to slice.

3. Slice and Serve: Once the bars have cooled completely, slice them into squares or rectangles. Serve them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.

Tips for Perfect Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both fresh and frozen blueberries work well, but if you’re using frozen blueberries, be sure to thaw them first and drain excess moisture to avoid making the bars soggy.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the oatmeal dough, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense bars. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.

3. Customize the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your blueberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling or base. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the filling and topping.

4. Chill the Bars Before Cutting: If you want clean, neat slices, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so before cutting. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to cut.

5. Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang that balances the sweetness of the blueberries and helps to prevent the filling from becoming overly sweet.

Variations of Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

1. Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the oatmeal base. They will add a crunchy element that contrasts nicely with the soft oats and juicy blueberries.

2. Make it Vegan: To make these blueberry oatmeal bars vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg, and choose a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.

3. Add Spices: If you love warm, spiced flavors, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the oatmeal base. These spices pair well with the blueberries and add complexity to the flavor profile.

4. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

5. Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Bars: For a citrus twist, add some lemon zest to the oatmeal base or filling to intensify the lemon flavor. Lemon and blueberry are a classic combination that will brighten the bars.

6. Berry Medley: If you don’t have enough blueberries, or if you’d like to change things up, try using a combination of berries. Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries would all work beautifully in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

• Breakfast: Serve these bars with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a balanced breakfast. The oats provide fiber and energy, while the blueberries offer antioxidants and sweetness.

• Snack: Blueberry oatmeal bars are perfect for an on-the-go snack. Pack them in lunchboxes or take them with you on a hike, road trip, or picnic.

• Dessert: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The contrast between the warm bars and the cold toppings is delicious!

• With Yogurt: Pair these bars with a side of Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess. The tartness of the yogurt complements the sweetness of the blueberries perfectly.

Conclusion

Blueberry oatmeal bars are an easy, delicious, and versatile treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. With juicy blueberries, chewy oats, and just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are perfect for anyone who loves a combination of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these blueberry oatmeal bars are sure to be a hit!

Yield: 16

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print

Oatmeal bars are a classic and versatile treat, known for their hearty texture and the ability to incorporate a variety of fruits, nuts, and spices. Blueberry oatmeal bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats with the bright, slightly tart sweetness of blueberries, creating a satisfying and delicious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Blueberry Filling:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Make the Blueberry Filling:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries start to break down (about 5-7 minutes).
   Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
   
2. Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
   Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. It should form a crumbly dough.
   Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping and press the rest evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
   
3. Assemble the Bars:
   Evenly spread the blueberry filling over the oat crust.
   Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the blueberry filling.
   
4. Bake:
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling.
   If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
   
5. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles.
   For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze (optional).

Notes

Blueberry Alternatives: You can substitute the blueberries with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Add-ins: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to the topping.