Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

$The ingredients for Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars are simple and healthy. You will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas) - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) for added crunch Each ingredient plays a key role. Rolled oats provide fiber and texture. Mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Blueberries give a burst of flavor and antioxidants. Honey or maple syrup acts as a sweetener. Almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats. Vanilla extract and cinnamon enhance the taste, while salt balances the sweetness. If you like crunch, add some chopped nuts. These ingredients work together to create a tasty and nutritious breakfast bar. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir these ingredients well. Mixing them evenly helps the bars rise and taste great. Next, take 2 large ripe bananas and mash them until smooth. In another bowl, add the mashed bananas, 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything until it is blended well. Now, pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is mixed. Then, fold in 1 cup of blueberries. If you want extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds. This adds texture and flavor. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly into an even layer. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You know it's done when the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your tasty and healthy blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars! Measuring your ingredients is key to great bars. Use a kitchen scale for the best results. If you don’t have a scale, make sure to level off dry ingredients with a knife. To help your bars hold their shape, press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This step is vital. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for a few minutes. This helps them set up nicely. You can switch up the ingredients to fit your taste. For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter. You can also swap blueberries for chopped apples or diced peaches. Need more texture? Add shredded coconut or some chopped nuts. These changes can make the bars even more fun to eat! For serving, stack the bars on a simple plate. You can wrap them in parchment for a rustic look. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of berries on top adds color and flair. Pair these bars with yogurt or a cup of coffee for a great breakfast. You can even enjoy them as a snack during the day! Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal flavor. Customize Your Nuts: Add your favorite nuts or seeds for extra texture and nutrition. Chopped walnuts or almonds work great! Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for maximum freshness. Freezer-Friendly: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually and store in the freezer for a quick breakfast option. {{image_2}} If you need gluten-free bars, no worries! You can swap regular oats for gluten-free oats. Be sure to check the label, as not all oats are gluten-free. This change keeps your bars tasty and safe. You can also use ground almonds or coconut flour for a different texture. Both options add a nice flavor and keep the bars moist. To make these bars vegan, replace honey with maple syrup. It’s a great sweetener that adds flavor. You can also use a nut-free butter like sunflower seed butter. This swap keeps the bars creamy without using any animal products. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly. Want to jazz up your bars? You can mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dark chocolate pairs well with blueberries. Chia seeds or flaxseeds also add a nice crunch and boost nutrition. For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or some shredded coconut. You can even top the bars with a drizzle of nut butter before serving for a fun look! To keep your blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. I recommend using an airtight container. This helps to prevent moisture from making the bars soggy. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to five days. Freezing is a great way to save these bars for later. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat one, simply remove it from the freezer. Let it defrost in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime! Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They are easy and convenient. However, they may change the texture a bit. Frozen blueberries can make the bars slightly softer. They might also add extra moisture. This can be fine, but watch your baking time. If you see a lot of juice, just bake a bit longer. These bars can last about a week when stored right. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you see mold or a strange smell, it's time to toss them. You can also tell they are bad if they feel very dry or hard. Yes, you can swap almond butter for any nut butter. Peanut butter works well and adds a nice flavor. Cashew butter gives a creamy taste. If you have a nut allergy, try sunflower seed butter. It has a similar texture and taste. You can use non-liquid sweeteners like granulated sugar or coconut sugar. For every 1/4 cup of honey, use 1/4 cup of sugar. Just add a tablespoon of water to help with moisture. You can also use agave syrup in the same amount. You now have all you need to make tasty, healthy bars. We covered the key ingredients, mixing steps, and baking tips. I shared expert advice for perfecting your bars and how to customize them. Plus, storage tips will keep them fresh for longer. Whether you choose to adapt this recipe for dietary needs or make it your own, enjoy the process. These bars can fit into any snack time. Dive in, get creative, and savor every bite you make!$

Delicious and healthy breakfast bars made with oats, bananas, and blueberries.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
0.5 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice)
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) for added crunch (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well combined.
In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, then add the almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until fully blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Gently fold in the blueberries and, if using, the chopped nuts.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly into an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment overhang and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, cut into squares or bars as desired.

Notes

Serve the bars stacked on a simple plate or wrapped in parchment paper for a rustic look. Drizzle with extra honey or a sprinkle of additional blueberries for a pop of color!

Keyword blueberry, breakfast bars, healthy, oatmeal