If you crave breakfasts that combine wholesome ingredients with delightful bursts of fruity flavor, these Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars deserve a spot at the top of your morning routine. With a soft, chewy oat base and a thick layer of juicy blueberries tucked inside, every bite brings a comforting, homemade warmth you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Effortless to whip up, ridiculously satisfying, and sturdy enough for on-the-go mornings, these bars are simply destined to become your new favorite way to greet the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars, all you need are a handful of staple ingredients that come together like magic. Each one brings something unique—think chewy oats, sweet-tart berries, and a crumbly golden topping—making these bars as delicious as they are nourishing.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide a hearty, chewy texture and are the star of this breakfast classic.
- Whole wheat flour: Adds nutty flavor and boosts the wholesome factor with extra fiber.
- Brown sugar: Gives a gentle sweetness and a touch of caramel in every bite.
- Baking soda: Helps the bars lift and bake up evenly.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the bars with warm, cozy aroma that pairs perfectly with blueberries.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out those irresistible oat flavors.
- Coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted): Binds everything together and adds rich moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a creamy background note and roundness to the bars.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries: Burst with sweet-tart juiciness and add beautiful, natural color.
- Maple syrup or honey: Sweetens the filling and adds a lovely floral depth.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry mixture so the filling sets up nicely.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and enhances the blueberry flavor.
How to Make Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you are. Then, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. This step makes all the difference when it comes to slicing neat, bakery-worthy bars.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This forms the base of the bars, giving them that unbeatable chewy texture and flavor-packed foundation. Whisk everything together until well blended.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Make the Crumble
Pour in the melted coconut oil (or butter) and the vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened and begins to clump up—almost like a streusel topping. You’ll want it to hold together when pressed between your fingers. Scoop out about 3/4 cup of this mixture and set it aside for the topping.
Step 4: Form the Oat Base
Take the remaining oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Press it down thoroughly to create a solid crust; this helps the bars stay together once cut, so don’t be shy about pressing!
Step 5: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
In a separate bowl, gently toss the blueberries with maple syrup (or honey), cornstarch, and lemon juice. The cornstarch will thicken the mixture as it bakes, creating a luscious layer that won’t seep out of the bars. Make sure the blueberries are evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Sprinkle the Topping
Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed oat base, making sure to distribute the berries all the way to the edges. Then, take that reserved oat topping and sprinkle it in rustic clumps over the blueberries. These golden nuggets will bake up toasty and crumbly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the berry filling is bubbling enticingly at the edges. Let the bars cool completely in the pan; this helps them set up so they slice beautifully.
How to Serve Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a touch of creaminess. If you’re feeling extra fancy, scatter a few fresh blueberries or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars with a steaming mug of coffee or a frothy chai latte for a breakfast worth savoring. For a more substantial brunch spread, try offering sliced bananas, a fruit salad, or a soft-boiled egg on the side to round out your morning meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars artfully on a pretty platter for a brunch buffet, or individually wrap them in parchment for a grab-and-go treat. If you’re packing lunchboxes, cut them into bite-sized pieces for a fun, shareable snack. You can even serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla yogurt as a wholesome dessert!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, store Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to stay super fresh, keep them in the refrigerator, where they’ll hold up beautifully for nearly a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze like a dream! Place individual bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label and store for up to 3 months—perfect for busy mornings when you need breakfast in a flash.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked taste, warm individual Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or pop a few in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. The oats become soft and aromatic, and the berries turn extra jammy. Serve immediately!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before using; just toss them straight from the freezer with the other filling ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have whole wheat flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour for the whole wheat flour if needed. The bars will be slightly less hearty but still delicious and tender.
Are these Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, use coconut oil instead of butter and opt for maple syrup instead of honey. They’ll turn out just as scrumptious and 100% plant-based.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the bake time by adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything cooks through evenly.
Why do my bars crumble when I cut them?
The bars need to cool completely before slicing, which allows the filling and crust to firm up. If you’re still having trouble, try cutting them with a sharp serrated knife and wiping it between cuts for neat squares.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about baking up a batch of Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars—the simple ingredients, the heavenly scent as they bake, and those delicious jammy bites. If you’re ready to upgrade your breakfast, give these a try and savor every wholesome, fruity mouthful. Happy baking!
Print
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a delightful and wholesome way to start your day. Packed with oats, whole wheat flour, and juicy blueberries, these bars are perfect for a quick and nutritious breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blueberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in melted coconut oil and vanilla until crumbly. Reserve 3/4 cup of mixture for topping.
- Prepare Crust: Press remaining oat mixture into pan to form crust.
- Make Blueberry Filling: Toss blueberries with maple syrup, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Spread over crust.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle reserved oat mixture on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden. Cool, then slice into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Great for meal prep and lunchboxes.
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