These wholesome blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars are the perfect combination of juicy blueberries and hearty oats. They offer a nutritious start to your day or serve as a satisfying snack on the go. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make and packed with healthy ingredients that can keep you energized throughout the morning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love these blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars because they’re versatile, delicious, and incredibly easy to make. The sweet and tart blueberries combined with the chewy oats create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can adjust the sweetness or add extra flavors like cinnamon to make them just how you like them. They’re the ideal snack or breakfast choice when I’m in a rush but want something nourishing and tasty. Whether I enjoy them warm out of the oven or cold the next day, they always hit the spot.
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
⅓ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base.
In a separate bowl, toss the blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Spread this blueberry mixture evenly over the oat base.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing down.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per serving
Variations
I love experimenting with different variations of this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
Add Nuts: For some crunch, I can stir in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the oat mixture.
Swap Berries: I’ve used strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries as substitutes for blueberries and they all work great.
Make It Vegan: I’ve substituted the butter with coconut oil and used a flax egg to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Spices: Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
To store these bars, I wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, which makes them perfect for meal prep. If I want to enjoy them warm, I simply heat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. They also freeze well, so I often make a double batch and freeze half for later. I let them cool completely before wrapping them up for the freezer, and they’ll last for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How do I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to toss them with the granulated sugar and cornstarch before using them to prevent excess moisture from being released during baking.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! If I prefer less sweetness, I can reduce the amount of brown sugar or granulated sugar. You can also try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but you might need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to balance the texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead! I often prepare them the night before and store them in the fridge for a quick and easy breakfast or snack the next day.
How do I cut the bars neatly?
To cut the bars neatly, I make sure to let them cool completely in the pan. Once they’re fully cooled, I use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. If they’re still warm, they can be a bit crumbly, so patience is key.
Conclusion
These blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that I can enjoy any time of the day. Whether I need a quick breakfast, an on-the-go snack, or a midday energy boost, these bars fit the bill. I love how simple they are to make, and they’re always a hit in my household. With their perfect balance of sweetness, oats, and blueberries, I can’t recommend them enough.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These healthy Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a nutritious and delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. Packed with juicy blueberries, hearty oats, and a touch of cinnamon, they are easy to make and customizable. Whether warm or cold, these bars provide the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a great option for meal prep or on-the-go.
Ingredients
1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
⅓ cup light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the base.
- Toss the blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch, then spread evenly over the oat base.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing down.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and blueberries are bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
You can use frozen blueberries, just be sure to toss them with sugar and cornstarch before use.
For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg.
These bars store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per serving
