Description
Enjoy a wholesome snack with these Blueberry Oatmeal Bars! Packed with juicy blueberries and hearty oats, they’re the perfect balance of tasty and healthy—easy to make and perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: A great source of fiber, oats help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are also rich in antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol levels.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend): This provides the structure for your bars. If you’re gluten-sensitive, opt for a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy them.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture to the bars. Brown sugar contains some minerals, making it a slightly better choice than white sugar.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: This ingredient helps the bars rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of your bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): This spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. It’s also known for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil): Butter adds richness, while coconut oil provides a dairy-free alternative with a subtle flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a lovely aromatic flavor that complements the blueberries.
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen): Blueberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for a healthy snack.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This sugar helps create a syrupy mixture with the blueberries.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch: This is used to thicken the blueberry mixture, ensuring it stays together nicely in the bars.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start 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 the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly. This will form the base of your bars.
- Form the base: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a solid base.
- Prepare the blueberry filling: In a separate bowl, toss the blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. This will create a sweet, thick mixture. Spread this blueberry mixture evenly over your oat base.
- Add the topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing down to create an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
- 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 them into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
Keywords: Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, Baking, Dessert, Healthy Treats, Snack