Introduction:
Oat Bars with Blueberry Filling are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the burst of flavor from a sweet blueberry filling. These bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. The soft, buttery oat crust complements the tangy blueberry filling, creating a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing them with friends and family, these oat bars are sure to become a favorite.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients:
For the Oat Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Oat Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when squeezed.
3. Form the Base:
- Press two-thirds of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Ensure it’s evenly distributed and firmly pressed.
4. Make the Blueberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the blueberries release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the blueberry filling from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the oat crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the blueberry filling, forming the topping.
6. Bake:
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling.
7. Cool and Slice:
- Allow the oat bars to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhangs to lift them out onto a cutting board.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 12 squares or bars.
NUTRITION FACTS:
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bar | 275 | 12g | 7g | 50mg | 86mg | 38g | 2g | 19g | 3g |
Conclusion:
Oat Bars with Blueberry Filling are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The crispy oat crust pairs perfectly with the luscious blueberry filling, creating a symphony of sweet and tart tastes that are simply irresistible. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile; enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a delightful dessert. Share them with your loved ones, and they’ll be asking for more. So, indulge in the goodness of oats and the burst of blueberry goodness with this special recipe!