Blueberry Oatmeal Bars: A Deliciously Nutritious Treat
Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are not just a delightful snack; they are a wholesome way to start your day or enjoy a midday pick-me-up. These bars combine the natural sweetness of blueberries with the hearty texture of oats, creating a perfect balance that is both satisfying and nutritious. Originating from the classic combination of oats and fruit, these bars have become a beloved staple in many households, offering a taste of comfort and nostalgia.
People love Blueberry Oatmeal Bars for their versatility and convenience. They are easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and are perfect for on-the-go snacking. The chewy oats paired with juicy blueberries create a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you enjoy them as a breakfast option, a post-workout snack, or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars are sure to please your palate and nourish your body.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Preparing the Oatmeal Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Take about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base of your bars.
Preparing the Blueberry Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Gently toss the blueberries to coat them evenly.
- Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed oatmeal base in the baking pan. Make sure to distribute the blueberries as evenly as possible for consistent flavor in every bite.
Assembling the Bars
- Take the remaining oatmeal mixture and crumble it over the blueberry layer. Make sure to cover the blueberries as evenly as possible, but it’s okay if some blueberries peek through.
- Gently press down on the crumbled topping to ensure it adheres to the blueberries and base.
Baking the Bars
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving the Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
- Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- These bars can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Enjoy these delicious blueberry oatmeal bars as a healthy breakfast option, a snack, or even a dessert!
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to the blueberry filling.
- For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds into the oatmeal base.
- These bars can also be made with other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches, depending on what you have on hand.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Storage Instructions
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer shelf life, refrigerate the bars for up to a week.
- You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are not just a delicious treat; they are a wholesome and satisfying option that can easily fit into your busy lifestyle. With their perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, combined with the hearty texture of oats, these bars make for an ideal breakfast on-the-go, a nutritious snack, or even a delightful dessert. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, which is why I believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a healthy yet indulgent option to their repertoire.
When serving these Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, consider pairing them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of creaminess and sweetness. You can also enjoy them alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee, making for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the blueberries beautifully. Alternatively, you can swap out the blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples, allowing you to customize the bars to your taste preferences and seasonal availability.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of flavors and textures for yourself. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a picnic, or simply for your own enjoyment, I guarantee that these Blueberry Oatmeal Bars will be a hit. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family, and let them know how easy and delicious these bars are to make. You can even share your own variations or serving suggestions, as I would love to hear how you put your unique spin on this recipe!
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of these scrumptious Blueberry Oatmeal Bars. I promise you won’t regret it, and you might just find yourself making them a regular part of your meal planning. Happy baking!
Blueberry Oatmeal Bars: A Healthy and Delicious Snack Recipe
These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars combine wholesome oats and sweet blueberries with a touch of cinnamon, making them a nutritious option for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, they are perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is not too hot to avoid cooking the egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Take about two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form the base of your bars.
- In a medium bowl, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Gently toss the blueberries to coat them evenly.
- Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed oatmeal base in the baking pan. Make sure to distribute the blueberries as evenly as possible for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Take the remaining oatmeal mixture and crumble it over the blueberry layer. Make sure to cover the blueberries as evenly as possible, but it’s okay if some blueberries peek through.
- Gently press down on the crumbled topping to ensure it adheres to the blueberries and base.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- These bars can be served immediately or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Enjoy these delicious blueberry oatmeal bars as a healthy breakfast option, a snack, or even a dessert!
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, feel free to add more honey or maple syrup to the blueberry filling.
- For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or seeds into the oatmeal base.
- These bars can also be made with other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches, depending on what you have on hand.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of butter.
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