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Blueberry Oatmeal Bars: A Beginner’s Guide to Baking Wholesome Goodness

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Looking for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert? These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are the perfect solution! Chewy oats and juicy blueberries combine for a flavorful and wholesome treat. Imagine a bar packed with goodness, bursting with fruity sweetness in every bite. It’s a treat for the taste buds, perfect for any time of day. This easy recipe is ideal for beginner cooks, requiring minimal ingredients and delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Accurate oven temperature is crucial for baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is properly calibrated.
  • Prepare the Pan: Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This is a must – it will save you so much hassle later. Make sure the parchment paper goes up all four sides of the pan, creating a “sling” that you can use to lift the bars out of the pan.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking helps to aerate the dry ingredients and ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed. This is important for even rising and consistent flavor.
  • Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter (or coconut oil) and vanilla extract until the mixture is crumbly. You can use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients together. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix at this stage.
  • Press the Base: Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a base. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even layer. Pressing it firmly is key – this will help create a solid base that won’t crumble when you add the filling.
  • Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the blueberries with granulated sugar and cornstarch. Coating the blueberries with sugar and cornstarch helps to thicken the juices they release as they bake, preventing a soggy base. This step is especially important if you’re using frozen blueberries.
  • Spread the Filling: Spread the blueberry mixture evenly over the oat base. Make sure the blueberries are distributed evenly so that each bar has a good amount of fruit.
  • Crumble the Topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the blueberries, gently pressing down. You don’t have to press it down as firmly as the base, just enough to adhere to the blueberry layer. You want the topping to be crumbly, not compacted.
  • Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberries are bubbly. Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from burning. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges of the bars should also be pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan.
  • Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is absolutely essential for the bars to set properly and prevent them from crumbling when you cut them. Resist the temptation to cut into them while they’re still warm! The cooling process allows the bars to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
  • Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares. A sharp knife will make clean cuts. You can also use a pizza cutter for even slices.

Notes

  • Use old-fashioned oats for best texture.
  • Don’t overmix the oat mixture.
  • Cool completely for clean cuts.
  • Get creative with other berries or add-ins.

Find it online: https://susanrecipes.com/blueberry-oatmeal-bars-a-beginners-guide-to-baking-wholesome-goodness/