Looking for a delightful snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? Say hello to these Easy Blueberry Oatmeal Bars! Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and juicy blueberries, these bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a powerhouse of nutrition. Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, this recipe is a must-try! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these delicious bars. Ready to dive into the world of easy baking? Let’s get started!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup mashed bananas
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, mash 1 cup of ripe bananas until smooth. You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. Make sure there are no large lumps remaining.
- Add the mashed bananas to the dry oat mixture along with 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together until fully combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries (fresh or frozen) into the mixture, being careful not to break the berries if they are fresh.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Press down firmly to ensure the mixture holds together during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- After cooling, cut the oatmeal mixture into 12 bars. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal flavor!
- Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup or adjust the sweetness to your liking. You can even reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet bar.
- Mix and Match Fruits: While blueberries are delicious, don’t hesitate to try other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or even dried fruits for a unique twist.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes them easier to slice.
- Storage Tips: Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them to extend freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage!
- Add Some Crunch: For added texture, consider mixing in some nuts or seeds, such as chopped almonds or chia seeds, to the mixture before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
