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Oatmeal Blueberry Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 46 reviews

Delicious and comforting Oatmeal Blueberry Bars featuring a buttery oat crust and crumble topping with a juicy, perfectly sweetened blueberry filling. These bars combine the hearty texture of rolled oats with the fresh burst of blueberries, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Crust and Crumble

  • 1 cup (2 sticks; 227g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed

Blueberry Filling

  • 16 ounces fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice from 1/2 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the bars.
  2. Mix Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles a dry, sandy texture with some larger crumble pieces. Set aside about 1 heaping cup (approximately 1 1/2 cups used) of this mixture for the crumb topping later.
  3. Form Crust: Transfer the remaining crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your fingers to press it evenly and firmly into the bottom to create an even crust layer.
  4. Prepare Blueberry Filling: In the same or another large bowl, gently toss the fresh blueberries with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch until the berries are evenly coated, which will help to thicken the filling during baking.
  5. Assemble Layers: Pour the blueberry mixture evenly over the prepared crust layer in the pan. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the blueberries. Some berries will remain visible beneath the topping, which is desired for texture and appearance.
  6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly at the edges. Check after 40 minutes, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 30-60 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. For faster cooling, place them in the freezer briefly. Once fully cooled, slice into squares and enjoy.

Notes

  • You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • For a tart contrast, add a bit more lemon juice or zest to the blueberry filling.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Freezing the bars after cooling is a great option for longer storage; thaw before serving.
  • If fresh blueberries are out of season, frozen blueberries can be used but may increase moisture in the filling slightly.