These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect balance of fruity and crumbly, making them an irresistible treat for any time of day. The buttery oat crust pairs beautifully with the juicy blueberry layer, and the crumbly topping adds a delightful texture. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen blueberries, these bars are simple to make and full of flavor. Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients:
For the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats (avoid quick-cook or instant oats, as they can make the mixture too dry)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- Pinch of salt, optional and to taste
For the Blueberry Layer:
- 12 ounces (2 cups) blueberries, fresh or frozen (no need to thaw if frozen)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. Lining the pan makes cleanup easier and ensures the bars come out neatly.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumble Topping:
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter (this should take about 1 minute on high power).
- Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and a pinch of salt (if using) to the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined. It should have a dry, sandy texture with some larger crumble pieces.
- Set aside 1 heaping cup of this mixture to use later as the crumble topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even, smooth crust. Use a spatula or your fingers to ensure it’s well-packed and level.
- Make the Blueberry Layer:
- In the same bowl you used for the crust, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the blueberries are well coated. Don’t worry if the sugar hasn’t fully dissolved; it will melt during baking.
- Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Add the Crumble Topping:
- Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the blueberry layer. For larger crumble pieces, gently squeeze the mixture in your hand before sprinkling.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just firm. The crumble topping should be set and a very light golden color.
- If you’re using fresh blueberries, the baking time may be reduced by 10-15 minutes. If your blueberries are particularly juicy, the bars may take a little longer to bake. Keep an eye on the bars rather than the clock to judge when they’re done.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely for at least 30 minutes before slicing. If you cut into the bars too soon, they may be messy and fall apart.
- Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and serve.
Tips:
- Oats: Be sure to use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Quick oats or instant oats can make the crust too dry and crumbly.
- Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them before baking. This helps prevent the bars from becoming too watery.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the blueberries and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Crumble Topping: For a more rustic look, gently squeeze the crumble mixture in your hand before sprinkling it over the blueberries to create larger chunks.
These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are a delicious way to enjoy the fresh flavors of blueberries with a satisfying, buttery oat crumble. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert. Enjoy them on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
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