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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas) - 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice) - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp baking powder - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds) Oats are a great source of fiber, which helps digestion. They keep you full and boost heart health. Blueberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They help improve brain function and fight inflammation. Nut butter adds healthy fats and protein. It fuels your day and keeps hunger at bay. These ingredients make the bars both tasty and good for you. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed bananas, almond butter, and honey or maple syrup. Add the vanilla extract for extra flavor. Mix these wet ingredients until they blend well. Next, sprinkle in the baking powder and salt. Mix again until the batter is smooth and even. Now, gently fold in the blueberries and chopped nuts, if you choose to use them. Use a spatula to carefully mix. Be sure to avoid breaking the blueberries. This keeps them whole and juicy in the bars. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so it cooks uniformly. Bake your bars for about 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the parchment paper to remove the block of bars. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy! To get the best texture, you need the right balance. The mixture should be moist but not too wet. If it's too dry, add a little more nut butter or banana. If it’s too wet, mix in more oats. Watch the baking time, too. Overbaking can lead to dry bars. You can swap nut butters to change the taste. Try peanut butter or cashew butter for a twist. Adding spices, like cinnamon, can bring warmth and depth. A dash of nutmeg can also add a nice touch. These bars taste great with yogurt or milk. You can slice them up for breakfast or a snack. They are perfect for on-the-go munching. Pair them with fresh fruit for a bright start to your day. Enjoy them warm or cold, as you prefer. Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bars will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for optimal sweetness. Nut Butter Alternatives: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, try sunflower seed butter or tahini as a great alternative to almond butter. Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the mix. This helps prevent the batter from becoming too watery and maintains the blueberries' shape. Store for Freshness: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life. You can also freeze them for up to three months! {{image_2}} You can easily make these bars gluten-free. Just use gluten-free oats. They work just like regular oats. If you want a good binder, try using unsweetened applesauce. It adds moisture and helps hold everything together. If you want to cut back on sugar, reduce the honey or maple syrup. You can also swap them out for unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the bars sweet without adding much sugar. Your taste buds will still enjoy the flavor. For a fun twist, add shredded coconut to the mix. It gives a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness. You can also toss in tropical fruits like diced pineapple or mango. This adds a bright, fresh flavor that makes breakfast feel like a vacation. Store your Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars in two main ways. You can keep them at room temperature or in the fridge. If you choose room temperature, place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars. This helps maintain their taste and texture. You can also freeze them. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last up to three months. At room temperature, these bars last about 3-5 days. They taste best when fresh. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to one week. The cold helps keep the flavors strong. When frozen, they can stay good for about three months. Just remember to let them cool completely before freezing. Reheat the bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warms them up without making them dry. You can also enjoy them cold. Both ways taste great! For a cozy treat, try them warm with a drizzle of honey. You can easily change the ingredients in these bars. For common swaps, try using peanut butter instead of almond butter. You can also use different sweeteners like agave or brown sugar. If you want to add a twist, mix in nuts or seeds. Chia seeds add texture and nutrition! Adding different fruits can make these bars fun. You can use diced apples, strawberries, or even peaches. Each fruit adds its own flavor, making every batch unique. Just remember, if you use fresh fruit, be careful not to add too much liquid. Yes, you can make these bars vegan with some simple swaps. Replace honey with agave syrup for a plant-based sweetener. Make sure your nut butter is also vegan-friendly. Most nut butters are, but always check the label to be sure. Also, use all plant-based ingredients for a true vegan option. This means checking for non-dairy ingredients in your nut butter and any add-ins you choose. Serving these bars can be so much fun! You can top them with yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for extra flavor. Fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a nice touch. Pairing these bars with a smoothie or a glass of milk makes a great snack or breakfast. You can enjoy them warm or cold, and they are perfect for on-the-go eating! These bars are easy to make and full of good flavors. You only need a few simple ingredients like oats, bananas, and nut butter. Mixing in blueberries adds extra nutrition and taste. With tips for texture and variations, you can make these bars your own. Whether you want to store them or enjoy them fresh, these bars fit your needs. Try them as a snack or breakfast and see how they brighten your day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these delicious bars!

Blueberry Oat Breakfast Bars

Delicious and healthy breakfast bars made with oats, bananas, and blueberries.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
  • 1 2/3 cup almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)
  • 1 3/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 2/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 4/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 4/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)

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 later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed bananas, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  • Sprinkle in the baking powder and salt, and continue to mix until the batter is evenly blended.
  • Gently fold in the blueberries and chopped nuts, if using, being careful not to break the blueberries.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block of bars from the dish and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Once cooled, cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

Notes

You can substitute almond butter with any nut butter of your choice.
Keyword bars, blueberry, breakfast, healthy, oatmeal