Description
Easy blueberry oatmeal bars for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Chewy oatmeal base with sweet blueberry filling and optional crumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the blueberries begin to release their juices and the mixture thickens (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Oatmeal Base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan (or line with parchment paper). In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and whisk until fully incorporated. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Press half of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the oatmeal base. Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly over the blueberry filling. If using the optional topping, prepare it now and sprinkle over the oatmeal layer.
- Prepare the Optional Topping (If Using): In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- Use Frozen Blueberries: If fresh blueberries are not available, you can use frozen blueberries. Thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the filling. This will prevent the filling from being too watery.
- Add Nuts: For added crunch and flavor, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the oatmeal base or the topping.
- Lemon or Orange Zest: Enhance the flavor of the bars by adding lemon or orange zest to the oatmeal base or the blueberry filling.
- Different Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits in the filling, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries. Adjust the amount of sugar as needed, depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. Make sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. Also, ensure that your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Storage: Store the baked bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own as a breakfast or snack. You can also serve them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for a more decadent treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes