Delicious Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
These easy-to-make Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are soft, crumbly, and full of fresh berry flavor. High in fiber and plant-based protein, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert. Quick to prepare and kid-approved, they store well for meal prep or grab-and-go mornings.
Equipment
- 1 × 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (enough to line pan with overhang)
- Medium mixing bowl
- Serrated knife (for slicing)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted (or coconut oil/vegan butter)
- ¼ cup milk dairy or plant-based
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup blueberry jam
- 1 cup blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the batter. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an extra 2–3 inches of overhang on opposite sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out once baked. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray for added ease.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, measure out the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Stir them together gently with a spoon or spatula until evenly combined. This creates a uniform base that will hold the bars together while baking.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract over the dry mixture. Using a spatula or your clean hands, fold the ingredients together until they form a thick, slightly sticky dough. The mixture should clump together easily when pressed between your fingers. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bars tough.
- Set Aside Topping Portion: Scoop out about 1 cup of the oat mixture and set it aside. This reserved portion will be crumbled on top of the bars later, adding a golden, crunchy layer that complements the sweet blueberries.
- Press Base Layer into Pan: Take the remaining dough and spread it evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly with your hands or the back of a spatula to create a uniform base layer, ensuring that the mixture fills all corners. This will form a sturdy foundation for the jam and berries.
- Layer Blueberry Jam: Evenly spread the blueberry jam over the pressed dough layer using a small spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure the layer is consistent so each bar will have a perfect balance of sweetness and fruit flavor. Choose a jam you love, as this is the primary flavor component.
- Add Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Scatter the blueberries evenly over the jam layer. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them; sprinkle them directly from the freezer to prevent the dough from becoming soggy. Lightly press the berries down so they adhere to the jam but remain plump and juicy.
- Sprinkle Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest directly over the blueberries. The zest will add a bright, citrusy aroma and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the jam and sugar.
- Crumble Topping Over Bars: Take the reserved oat mixture and crumble it evenly over the blueberries. Gently press it down so it sticks lightly to the fruit layer. The topping should form a loose, golden crust that bakes to a tender crunch.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The bars are done when the top is lightly golden and the edges are slightly crisp. Avoid overbaking to keep the center soft and chewy.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool fully to room temperature. Cooling helps the bars set, making them easier to slice without crumbling.
- Lift and Slice Bars: Using the parchment overhang, carefully lift the cooled bars from the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 12 even bars with a serrated knife. Press down slowly and firmly while cutting to maintain the crumble topping intact.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage—simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Choose a jam you love, as it’s a primary flavor in the bars.
- When mixing wet and dry ingredients, gently press the dough together with your fingers.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before lifting from the pan and slicing.
- Use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts.
- Customize with gluten-free flour or oats for dietary preferences.
- Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Quinoa flakes can replace oats for a slightly different texture and added protein.
- Toast oats lightly before mixing for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Press the base layer firmly while keeping the topping light and crumbly for the best texture.
