Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect combination of fruity, buttery, and crumbly. With a crisp oat base, a thick blueberry-lemon filling, and golden topping, they’re ideal for dessert, breakfast, or a mid-day snack. Using just 7 simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome, vibrant bar that tastes like a cross between a crumble and blueberry pie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses pantry staples
• Quick prep with minimal effort
• Sweet, tart, and buttery all in one bite
• Perfect for batch baking and freezing
• A great way to enjoy blueberries, fresh or frozen

Ingredients

Crust and Crumbles
140 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour, dip and sweep
144 grams (1 and ½ cup) rolled oats
140 grams (⅔ cup) granulated sugar
150 grams (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled*

Blueberry Filling
300 grams (2 cups) blueberries**
50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 and ½ teaspoons lemon zest (zest of 1 large lemon)

Directions

1. Preheat and Prep Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch (5 cm) overhang on all sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Dough
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, and granulated sugar. Stir with a spoon or spatula until evenly mixed.
   Pour in the melted and cooled butter. Stir until the mixture is fully incorporated and crumbly.
3. Divide the Dough
   Set aside one-third of the mixture (about 190g or a heaping ⅔ cup packed) for the crumble topping.
   Press the remaining two-thirds into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly with the back of a spoon or your hands to form the crust.
4. Prepare the Blueberry Filling
   In another medium bowl, combine the blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss until the blueberries are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Bars
   Spoon the blueberry mixture evenly over the pressed crust.
   Sprinkle the reserved dough over the top of the blueberry layer. Lightly press the crumble with your fingertips so it adheres to the fruit.
6. Bake
   Place in the preheated oven and bake for 38–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the crumbles are crisp.
7. Cool and Slice
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment paper and slicing into 16 bars.

Pro Tips and Variations

• For added texture, mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the crumble.
• Use orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
• Substitute part of the blueberries with raspberries for a mixed berry variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Enjoy as a breakfast bar with yogurt or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.
• Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store fully cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Enjoy cold or bring to room temperature before serving. No need to reheat.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! No need to thaw them first—just use straight from the freezer.

Why is my crumble soft?
If not cooled completely, the bars will be more like crumble. Allow to fully cool to achieve clean slices.

How do I keep the crust from being soggy?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, and press the crust firmly before baking.

Conclusion

Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are simple to make, bursting with juicy fruit flavor, and perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a sweet snack or a dessert, their irresistible layers and fresh ingredients will keep you coming back for more!

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