Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate dessert-meets-snack treat! These bars are made with a buttery oatmeal crust and crumble, packed with a layer of sweet and tangy blueberry filling. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, they’re easy to make and bursting with wholesome goodness. Whether you use fresh or frozen blueberries, this recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser!
Easy Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars have a crumbly, buttery oatmeal base and topping that sandwich a luscious blueberry filling. They’re soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on top, making them perfect for everything from school lunches to tea-time snacks. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can enjoy them warm with ice cream or cold straight from the fridge.
Why Our Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Are the Best
Our Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect mix of indulgent and wholesome. The oatmeal crust and crumble add texture and nutty flavor, while the blueberry filling is naturally sweet and vibrant. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or meal prep, these bars are quick to make, simple, and so satisfying!
Ingredients Notes for Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for these bars.
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a sturdy base for the bars.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds a chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the crust and crumble hold together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust and topping.
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries: The star of the recipe—fresh is best, but frozen works too.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the blueberry layer.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the filling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars come together in just a few simple steps!
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Pour in 1/2 cup melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Blueberry Filling
- In another bowl, mix 2 cups blueberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir until the blueberries are evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Bars
- Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top.
5. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Slice
- Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into squares. This step is essential for neat slices.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve these bars at room temperature, cold from the fridge, or warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
How to Store Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
Room Temperature
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
- Keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week for maximum freshness.
Freezer
- Freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Variations
- Mixed Berry Bars: Use a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a tangy twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Cinnamon Spiced Bars: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the crumble for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
- Sugar-Free Version: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia in place of sugar.
What to Serve With Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
These bars pair wonderfully with:
- Coffee or Tea: Perfect for an afternoon snack.
- Yogurt: Serve alongside Greek yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop for a decadent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream makes these bars feel extra special.
Top Tips for Perfect Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
- Use Parchment Paper: This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Step: Allow the bars to cool completely to avoid a messy crumble when slicing.
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Either works, but if using frozen, don’t thaw them—this prevents excess moisture.
- Press the Crust Firmly: Compacting the crust ensures it holds up under the blueberry filling.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your blueberries, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling.
Helpful Notes
- If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- For an extra glossy finish, brush the blueberries with a warm fruit glaze after baking.
- The bars are easier to slice when slightly chilled.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Martha Stewart suggests adding a pinch of nutmeg to the crumble for extra warmth and depth.
- Ina Garten emphasizes using fresh, ripe blueberries for the best flavor.
- Sally McKenney recommends adding a touch of almond extract to the filling for a nutty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy.
2. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes.
3. Can I use other fruits?
Yes! Try swapping blueberries for strawberries, peaches, or even apples. Adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s sweetness.
4. Why is my crust crumbly?
Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan and use enough butter to bind the mixture.
5. Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute for the egg wash if used.
Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Crust & Topping:
- – 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- – 1 cup all-purpose flour
- – 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- – 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- – 1/4 teaspoon salt
- – 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Blueberry Filling:
- – 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- – 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- – 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- – 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Oatmeal Mixture: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve about 3/4 cup of the mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir until the blueberries are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen blueberries, but thaw and drain them before using.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the oatmeal mixture for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
