Blueberry Oat Bars Recipe

Hey there, baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to elevate your snack game with a delicious and wholesome treat? Look no further because we’ve got just the recipe to satisfy your cravings: Blueberry Oat Bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft and chewy oat base, topped with a layer of juicy blueberries and a crumbly oat streusel. It’s like a hug for your taste buds! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have you reaching for seconds.

Why Blueberry Oat Bars?

• Perfectly Portable: Whether you’re on the go or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, these bars are the perfect snack to have on hand.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with oats, fresh blueberries, and just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks.
• Simple and Versatile: With basic pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these bars in no time. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist these delicious bars. They’re great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or anytime munchies.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Oat Base and Streusel:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Oat Base: In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press Into Pan: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly to create an even layer.
4. Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Layer the Blueberry Filling: Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the oat base in the baking dish.
6. Add the Streusel: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the blueberry filling, creating a crumbly streusel topping.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Slice: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Use Fresh Blueberries: While frozen blueberries work too, fresh blueberries will give your bars a juicier and more vibrant flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the oat mixture, as it can result in tough bars. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
• Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the oat mixture for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

With their irresistible combination of chewy oats and juicy blueberries, these Blueberry Oat Bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go, these bars are a delicious and satisfying treat for any time of day. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and indulge in a little slice of heaven!

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