Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice I love using rolled oats in this recipe. They give the bars a chewy texture. The all-purpose flour helps bind everything together. Brown sugar adds a deep, rich flavor. Granulated sugar adds some sweetness. Baking powder makes the bars rise a bit. Salt balances the sweetness. Melted unsalted butter brings a nice richness. Honey or maple syrup adds more sweetness and moisture. Vanilla extract gives a warm, comforting flavor. Blueberries are the star of the show! They burst with flavor as they bake. Cornstarch helps thicken the blueberry filling. Lemon juice brightens the taste of the blueberries. If you want to switch up the sugars, try coconut sugar or agave nectar. For gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour. These swaps work well, so you can enjoy these bars no matter your needs. Each serving has about 180 calories. You get 7 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein. These bars pack a good amount of fiber, thanks to the oats and blueberries. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or dessert! For the full recipe, check out the section above! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Next, grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift out your bars later. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt Stir these ingredients well until they are fully mixed. Now, add the wet ingredients to the dry mix. You will need: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Mix everything until it becomes crumbly but combined. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping. In another bowl, toss the blueberries with: - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice This step helps the blueberries stay juicy and not runny. Gently fold the blueberries into the oat mixture left in the bowl. Press the blueberry-oat mixture evenly into the base of your prepared baking dish. This forms the bottom layer. After that, sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top of the blueberries. Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and some bubbling blueberries. These are good signs that your bars are done. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. You can lift them out using the parchment paper. Slice them into squares once they are completely cool. Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars! To get the best crumble texture, mix your oats and flour just right. You want a mix that is crumbly but still holds together. If it feels too dry, add a splash of water. This helps bind it without making it soggy. To prevent burning the edges, use a light-colored baking dish. Dark pans can cause the sides to brown too fast. Keep an eye on your bars after 20 minutes. If the edges are getting dark, you can cover them with foil. These bars are great with a scoop of ice cream. Vanilla pairs well with the blueberries. You can also serve them with a dollop of yogurt for a healthy twist. For gatherings, slice the bars into small squares. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle honey over the top for a sweet touch. This makes the bars look extra fancy and inviting. One big mistake is overmixing the ingredients. This can make your bars tough. Mix until just combined, then stop. Another mistake is not letting the bars cool properly. They need at least 15 minutes in the pan. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. Let them cool fully for neat slices. For the full recipe, check out the Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. {{image_2}} You can make your Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars even tastier! Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives them warmth. Just add one teaspoon of your chosen spice to the dry mix. You might also want to incorporate nuts or seeds. Chopped walnuts or almonds add a nice crunch. Just mix in about 1/2 cup before pressing it into the baking dish. If you want to switch up the fruit, you have many choices! Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries work great in this recipe. Use the same amount of fruit as the blueberries for the best taste. For a mixed berry version, combine different fruits. Just keep the total amount to about 2 cups. This mix will give you a burst of flavor in every bite. For those who follow a vegan diet, you can swap butter with coconut oil. Use the same amount for a rich taste. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar. If you're looking for low-sugar options, try using less sugar in the recipe. You can cut the brown sugar to 1/4 cup. This change still keeps the bars sweet and tasty! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Store your Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars at room temperature for short-term storage. If you want to keep them longer, put them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This helps maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor. If you leave the bars out, they may dry out. To freeze the bars, first let them cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method prevents freezer burn. When you want to enjoy them, take out the bars and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also heat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. These bars can stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they last up to one week. Watch for signs of spoilage, like a change in texture or smell. If the bars look dry or hard, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your treats while they are fresh for the best flavor! Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars last about one week when stored properly. To keep them fresh, place the bars in an airtight container. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them. This will help them last up to a week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly in the recipe. They work well, but they may release more juice than fresh ones. This can make the bars a bit wetter. To help with this, you can toss the frozen blueberries with a bit of cornstarch. This will help absorb some of the extra juice and keep the bars from getting soggy. If you need a substitute for honey or maple syrup, you have options. You can use agave syrup, simple syrup, or even coconut sugar. Each will give a different flavor and sweetness level. Adjust the amount based on your taste. If you want a lower-calorie option, try using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. To make Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. You can use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well. This will ensure that the bars remain safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Yes, you can easily double the recipe. If you do, use a larger baking dish, like a 9x13-inch pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the original time, as larger batches can take longer to bake evenly. The blog outlined a simple way to make delicious Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. You learned about the key ingredients and steps to create this tasty treat. We covered ingredient swaps and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, we shared tips for storage and variations to keep things fresh. Remember, the joy of baking is in creativity. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own!$

Delight your taste buds with these scrumptious Blueberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars! Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, fresh blueberries, and a touch of honey, these bars are perfect for any occasion. With simple instructions and a prep time of just 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious treat ready to share in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this easy dessert!

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Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.

Add the melted butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until crumbly but well combined. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping.

In another bowl, toss the blueberries with cornstarch and lemon juice until coated. Gently fold the blueberries into the oat mixture left in the bowl.

Press the blueberry-oat mixture evenly into the base of the prepared baking dish.

Finish by sprinkling the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top of the blueberries.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbling slightly.

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares once cooled completely.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 9 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board, and consider drizzling a bit of honey on top before serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat!