Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

$- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup mashed ripe bananas - 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt - 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional) For these blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars, you need simple and healthy ingredients. Rolled oats are the base, giving texture and fiber. Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Blueberries bring a burst of flavor and antioxidants. You can choose honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Coconut oil helps bind everything together and adds healthy fats. Vanilla extract enhances the flavors. Cinnamon adds warmth, while a bit of sea salt balances the sweetness. Chopped nuts add crunch and healthy fats. If you like, sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips for a fun twist. - Calories per serving: About 150 - Key vitamins and minerals: Blueberries are high in vitamin C and fiber. Oats provide iron and magnesium. - Comparison with store-bought breakfast bars: These bars are often lower in sugar and free from preservatives. They are fresher and healthier. These ingredients create a nutritious treat that fits well in your morning routine or as a snack. Enjoy knowing you made something delicious and good for you! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. 3. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set it aside. 4. In another bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. 5. Add 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the bananas. Mix well. 1. Pour the banana mixture over the dry oat mixture. Stir until combined. 2. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries and 1/4 cup of chopped nuts. 3. If you like, add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips. Make sure everything is evenly mixed. 4. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly and press it down. 1. Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. 2. The edges will turn golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. 3. After baking, let the dish cool for 10-15 minutes. 4. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish. 5. Move the bars to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing into 12 bars. - How to ensure bars hold together: Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. This helps the bars stick well. Use a spatula for even pressure. The combination of oats, bananas, and coconut oil aids in binding. - Adjusting sweetness levels: Taste the mixture before baking. If you prefer sweeter bars, add more honey or maple syrup. You can also use mashed dates or applesauce for natural sweetness. - Alternatives for gluten-free options: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed. You can substitute the oats with ground almonds. This keeps the texture while staying gluten-free. - Presentation ideas for serving: Cut the bars into squares and place them on a bright plate. Drizzle with honey for added appeal. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top looks great too. - Best times to enjoy: These bars work well for breakfast or a quick snack. They are perfect for busy mornings or afternoon cravings. - Pairing with beverages: Enjoy your bars with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. Fresh fruit smoothies also complement these tasty treats nicely. Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your bars will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal flavor. Experiment with Nuts: Try different types of nuts for varied texture and flavor. Pecans or hazelnuts can add a delicious twist. Storage Tips: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to add other fruits, seeds, or your favorite nut butter to the mixture for added nutrition and taste. {{image_4}} You can easily change these bars to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Substituting different fruits: Try using raspberries or strawberries instead of blueberries. Each fruit brings its own flavor and sweetness. - Adding seeds or swapping nuts: You can add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition. If you prefer, swap walnuts for almonds or pecans. - Adjusting flavors with spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm touch. These spices can enhance the taste of the bars. You can modify these bars to meet different dietary needs. Here’s how: - Making it vegan-friendly: Replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup. This keeps it sweet without using animal products. - Low-sugar alternatives: Use mashed dates or stevia in place of honey. This keeps the bars sweet without extra sugar. - High-protein options: Add a scoop of protein powder to the wet ingredients. This boosts the protein without changing the flavor much. To keep your blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out and flavor in. You can use a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. If you want to keep them longer, wrap each bar in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This adds an extra layer of protection. These bars last about three days at room temperature. If you place them in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then put them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for a quick warm-up. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats? Yes, you can use quick oats. They will make the bars softer. Quick oats absorb moisture faster than rolled oats. How can I make these bars without bananas? You can use unsweetened applesauce instead. It adds moisture and sweetness. Use 1 cup of applesauce for each cup of mashed banana. What is the best way to reheat the bars? To reheat, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms the bar without drying it out. Can I serve these bars cold? Yes, serving them cold is fine. They taste great straight from the fridge. How to cut the bars for serving? Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 even squares. Cutting while the bars are cool helps keep them intact. Are these bars good for meal prep? Absolutely! These bars store well and make a quick snack. They last up to a week in the fridge. You now have a clear guide to making homemade breakfast bars. With simple ingredients like oats, bananas, and blueberries, you can create a healthy treat. The step-by-step instructions ensure great results each time. Remember to store them properly for freshness. Feel free to get creative with flavors and ingredients. These bars are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Enjoy the benefits of a delicious, nutrient-packed option that you made yourself!$

Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

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

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (approximately 2 medium bananas)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
0.25 cup honey or pure maple syrup
0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
0.25 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
0.25 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some edges to overhang. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until smooth. Add the melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients until you have a homogeneous mixture.
Pour the banana mixture over the dry oat mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture becomes moist.
Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries, 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, and the optional 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips. Make sure to distribute these ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly and press it down firmly to ensure it holds together during baking.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The edges should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish carefully.
Transfer the baked mixture to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing it into 12 individual bars.

Notes

Serve the bars on a colorful platter, and drizzle with a little extra honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an inviting look. Enjoy as a quick breakfast option or a nutritious snack on-the-go!

Keyword blueberry, breakfast, healthy, oatmeal, snack