Bursting with juicy berries and warm cinnamon, Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are the answer to busy mornings and sweet snack cravings alike. These bars are wholesome, chewy, and satisfying, offering that magical blend of hearty oats, a tender crumb, and a jammy layer of blueberries in every bite. They’re a breeze to make, full of kitchen staples, and so versatile—you’ll reach for them whether you’re planning ahead for breakfast on-the-go or need a healthier treat to tuck in your lunchbox.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for these Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars is short but mighty. Every component brings something to the table, from the cosy chew of oats to the bright tang of fresh blueberries. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips for each:
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The backbone of the bars, these create that signature chewy texture and rustic look.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds nuttiness and a boost of fiber without overpowering the flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that lend a lovely, gentle sweetness and help bind the bars together.
- Coconut oil (melted): Gives moisture and a subtle richness; swap for any neutral oil if needed.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything in delightful harmony.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and brings that familiar, comforting aroma.
- Baking soda: Adds just enough lift for a light, tender base.
- Salt: Brings out the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: The star! Juicy, tangy, and just the right amount of pop in every bite—no need to thaw if using frozen.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry filling, ensuring it’s perfectly jammy and not runny.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the berries and cuts through sweetness for freshness.
- Cinnamon: Infuses warmth and pairs beautifully with both the oats and blueberries.
How to Make Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure it overhangs slightly for easy removal later. This step is small but crucial—trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze and helps the bars lift out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them together so everything is evenly distributed. The cinnamon will perfume your kitchen and the combination of dry ingredients creates that wholesome, hearty base.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. This fragrant mixture brings both sweetness and moisture to the dough, making sure your bars never turn out dry.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry & Create the Crust
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. You’re aiming for a thick but moist dough. Reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture for your topping—just set it aside for now. With the rest, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a sturdy, delicious crust.
Step 5: Make the Blueberry Filling
In a medium bowl, toss your blueberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. This simple step transforms the berries into a luscious, jammy filling once baked, with the lemon enhancing their natural brightness.
Step 6: Assemble and Add the Crumble Topping
Spread the blueberry mixture in an even layer across the crust. Next, crumble your reserved oat mixture over the blueberry filling. This layer will bake up golden and crisp, giving the bars their irresistible crumbly top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the blueberry filling is bubbling at the edges. Allow the pan to cool completely before slicing for clean, firm bars—you can even refrigerate them for an hour or two for the cleanest slices.
How to Serve Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Garnishes
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are delightful just as they are, but a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla yogurt takes them up a notch. Try scattering a few extra fresh blueberries on top or adding a pinch of citrus zest for a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Enjoy your bars alongside a creamy Greek yogurt parfait, a tall glass of almond milk, or a scoop of cottage cheese. These sides make breakfast (or snack time) more filling and wonderfully balanced without overpowering the delicious berry flavor of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in a sharing mood, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a charcuterie board with nuts and fresh berries. For a brunch gathering, layer crumbled bars into parfaits with yogurt and extra fruit. Individually wrap them for lunchbox treats or midday pick-me-ups that feel a bit more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. I recommend storing them in an airtight container or wrapping them snugly with plastic wrap to keep them wonderfully moist and fresh.
Freezing
If you love meal prepping, these bars freeze beautifully! Place cut bars between layers of parchment in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge or for about 30 minutes at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, briefly warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you prefer them with a little crunch, heat them in a toaster oven until just warmed through. Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are absolutely delicious enjoyed both warm and cold.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! These bars were made to accommodate both fresh and frozen berries. There’s no need to thaw frozen blueberries—just toss them with the cornstarch and lemon juice as directed. The bars might need an extra minute or two of baking if the berries are extra juicy.
Are Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use certified gluten-free oats and swap the whole wheat flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The result is just as hearty, flavorful, and perfect for everyone at the table.
What other fruits can I use?
If you’re feeling adventurous, try substituting the blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or even diced peaches. The same method applies—just keep the quantity about the same for best results.
How do I make the bars firmer for packing?
To get cleaner slices that hold together, chill the baked bars in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours before cutting. This makes them perfect for lunchboxes, road trips, or a grab-and-go breakfast.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Certainly! If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the honey or maple syrup by a quarter. You’ll still get plenty of natural sweetness from the blueberries themselves, and the bars will bake up beautifully.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with these Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. They’re as easy as they are irresistible, perfect for prepping ahead or satisfying your craving for something wholesome and homemade. Give them a try—they just might become your new favorite breakfast companion!
Print
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a wholesome and flavorful treat perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made with nutritious ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh blueberries, these bars are a delicious way to start your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk egg, honey/maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Mix wet and dry ingredients until fully incorporated. Reserve 3/4 cup of mixture for topping.
- Press mixture: Press remaining mixture into the pan to form a crust.
- Prepare blueberry filling: Toss blueberries with cornstarch and lemon juice. Spread over the crust.
- Add topping: Crumble reserved oat mixture over the blueberries.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate bars before cutting.
- To make gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
