Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars combine the goodness of oats and fresh blueberries, making them perfect for a quick breakfast on the go or a healthy snack. With their chewy texture and natural sweetness, these bars are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste!
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir until well combined.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the rolled oats, salt, and blueberries. If desired, fold in the chopped nuts for added crunch. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and press it down firmly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Storage
Store your Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, making it easy to grab a quick breakfast anytime!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid breaking them apart too much.
Can I substitute the almond butter?
Absolutely! You can use any nut butter you prefer, such as peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
How do I make these bars vegan?
To make these bars vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your nut butter is vegan-friendly.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples for added flavor and variety.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They may still feel slightly soft but will firm up as they cool.