Sweet Blueberry Oat Bars are a delicious and healthy treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of blueberries. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, these bars are easy to make and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go option or a satisfying dessert, this recipe will delight your taste buds while providing a boost of energy. Plus, they are gluten-free and can be made vegan, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
Step 5: Spread the Mixture
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly, pressing it down firmly.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to gently fold them into the mixture to avoid breaking them apart.
How do I store Sweet Blueberry Oat Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these oat bars vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure that your almond flour is certified vegan.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
You can substitute almond flour with all-purpose flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.
Can I add nuts or seeds to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.