Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup) - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen blueberries) - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) - 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional) The rolled oats form the base of our bars. They add fiber and texture. Whole wheat flour is a great choice too. It boosts nutrients and gives a nutty flavor. Brown sugar and honey provide just the right sweetness. I love using applesauce here because it keeps the bars moist. - Nuts (walnuts or almonds) - Shredded coconut If you want more crunch, add nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well. Shredded coconut also brings unique flavor and texture. Feel free to mix and match these add-ins to find your perfect taste. Oats are a superfood packed with fiber. They help keep you full and support digestion. Blueberries add vitamins and antioxidants. They are great for heart health. Whole ingredients like these not only taste good, but they also nourish your body. You’ll enjoy a snack that is both tasty and good for you. These bars are perfect for breakfast or a snack. You can find the Full Recipe above, and I promise you will love how easy they are to make! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. While the oven heats, prepare your 9x9 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some excess paper hanging over the edges. This helps you remove the bars easily later. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk or spoon to mix them well. This step is key. Mixing thoroughly ensures even flavor throughout the bars. You want every bite to taste great. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup and the applesauce. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth. Applesauce adds moisture and sweetness, making the bars soft. It also cuts down on added sugar. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. Next, gently fold in the fresh blueberries and chopped nuts. If you like, fold in shredded coconut too. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean when done. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment to lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. To make the best blueberry oatmeal bars, avoid common pitfalls. One pitfall is overmixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. This keeps the bars tender and soft. Another issue is adding too much sweetener. Taste the batter before baking. You can always add a bit more if needed, but less is often better. These bars shine as breakfast or snacks. Pair them with yogurt or fresh fruit. They are also great with a dollop of nut butter. For gatherings, serve them on a nice platter. Add some extra blueberries around the bars for a pretty touch. The best baking pan for this recipe is a 9x9 inch square pan. Using parchment paper helps you lift the bars out easily. Essential tools include a mixing bowl, spatula, and whisk. These tools make your job smooth and quick. For best results, use a toothpick to check for doneness. For the Full Recipe, follow the detailed steps to create your delicious blueberry oatmeal bars. Enjoy the process and the tasty results! {{image_4}} To make vegan blueberry oatmeal bars, swap honey for maple syrup. Use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg you replace. This mix binds well and keeps the bars moist. Keep the flavor strong by adding vanilla extract. You can also use almond milk for a richer taste. These swaps will keep your bars tasty and wholesome. If you want gluten-free bars, use almond flour or oat flour. Both options work great and keep the bars soft. Always check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. This step is key for safe eating. Make sure to clean your prep area to prevent any gluten from sneaking in. You can play with flavors in these bars. Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for warmth. Consider mixing in diced apples or strawberries for fun twists. If you love chocolate, try adding cocoa powder or chocolate chips. This creates a rich and sweet treat. Experiment with these ideas to make your bars unique! To keep your blueberry oatmeal bars fresh, you should use an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. Store the bars at room temperature for best taste. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat. A cool, dry place works best. To freeze your bars for longer storage, first cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing the bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy one, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. You can also heat them in the microwave for a warm snack. These bars last about a week at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to 10 days. Look for signs of spoilage, like a change in smell or texture. If the bars feel dry or hard, it's best to discard them. Enjoy your blueberry oatmeal bars fresh for the best taste! You can use gluten-free flour. Almond flour, coconut flour, or oat flour works well. Just replace the whole wheat flour with your chosen flour. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too. This helps ensure your bars are safe for everyone. Yes, you can swap ingredients. For nut allergies, use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. If you can't have honey, maple syrup or agave syrup makes a good choice. Applesauce is a great egg substitute too. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. These swaps keep the bars tasty while avoiding allergens. Look for golden edges. The center should not jiggle. You can insert a toothpick in the middle. If it comes out clean, the bars are done. Let them cool a bit to finish setting. Yes, adding protein powder is easy. Start with 1/4 cup of your favorite protein powder. Mix it in with the dry ingredients. This helps boost the bars' protein without changing the taste much. Each bar has about 150 calories. You get 3 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of sugar. The blueberries add vitamins while oats provide good carbs. These bars are a healthy snack option. You can add or reduce sugar. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or syrup. For less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar by a tablespoon. Taste the mixture before baking to find the right balance. You can always adjust to fit your taste. Blueberry oatmeal bars are easy to make and packed with nutrition. Start with rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners. You can add nuts or coconut for fun twists. Remember to measure and mix carefully to keep a great texture. Bake until golden and enjoy at breakfast or as a snack. Store them in an airtight container for freshness. You can even freeze them for later. With these tips, perfect blueberry oatmeal bars are within your reach. Enjoy making them your way!$

Looking for a healthy and tasty snack that's a breeze to whip up? Try making blueberry oatmeal bars! These delicious treats are packed with nutritious ingredients, making them perfect for breakfast or a quick pick-me-up. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to create your own batch, and enjoy the benefits of fiber-rich oats and antioxidant-packed blueberries. Click through to discover the full recipe and start baking these delightful bars today!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or thawed frozen blueberries)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)

1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring some excess paper hangs over the edges to facilitate easy removal later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, packed brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the mixture well until everything is evenly mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup) and unsweetened applesauce until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, gently fold in the fresh blueberries and chopped nuts. If you’re adding shredded coconut, fold that in as well.

Prepare for Baking: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spatula to press the mixture down firmly and ensure it’s smooth on top.

Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and Store: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Store any leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips: To serve, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board and garnish with extra blueberries on the side for an appealing presentation. Enjoy these bars as a nutritious breakfast or a delightful snack throughout the day!