Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love Blueberry Oatmeal Bars Recipe

• One-dish simplicity: The same oat mixture is used for both the crust and the crumble topping, minimizing cleanup.

• Fresh, fruity delight: Packed with blueberries and lemon, these bars offer a burst of sweetness and tang in every bite.

• Versatile snack: Serve them warm for breakfast, let them cool for a delicious dessert, or pack them for a lunchbox treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Crust and Crumble: rolled oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, melted butter

• Blueberry filling: fresh or frozen blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine the oats, flour, and sugar. Stir in the melted butter. Set aside about ⅓ of this mixture to use as the topping. Press the remaining oat mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust.

3. In another bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the crust.

4. Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top of the blueberries, gently pressing it down.

5. Bake for 38–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Makes: 16 bars

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Bake time: 40 minutes

• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Frozen blueberries: You can use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer, no thawing required.

• Gluten-free: Swap the rolled oats and flour for gluten-free alternatives.

• Dairy-free: Use coconut oil in place of butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Store fully cooled bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

• For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

What size pan should I use?

An 8 × 8-inch square pan is ideal for this recipe. If you double the recipe, use a 9 × 13-inch pan.

Can I use frozen berries?

Yes! Frozen berries work great in this recipe. Just use them directly from the freezer—no thawing needed.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom?

To avoid a soggy crust, ensure you reserve enough oat mixture for the crumble topping. Additionally, let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, you can prepare these bars ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute.

Can I use other fruits?

Absolutely! Try blackberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries for a delicious twist.

What’s a good substitute for cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch in a 1:1 ratio.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and balance of flavors, especially with the tartness of the blueberries.

How do I get clean slices?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For the neatest cuts, chill them in the fridge and use a sharp, serrated knife.

Can I add nuts or spices?

Yes! Add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or spice them up with a ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for added flavor.

Conclusion

These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that combines the richness of oats with the bright, fruity flavor of blueberries. Whether you serve them for breakfast, pack them in lunches, or enjoy them as a snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Bake a batch and savor the fruity goodness all week long!