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Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Bars

Tender, not-too-sweet oatmeal bars studded with juicy blueberries. Perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 215

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk any kind, dairy or unsweetened plant-based
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries do not thaw if frozen

Equipment

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • rubber spatula
  • parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it overhang on two opposite sides. This creates handles for lifting the bars out later.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the brown sugar is free of lumps — press them out with your fingers if needed.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth and fully combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a rubber spatula just until no dry streaks remain. A few small lumps are fine — overmixing will make the bars dense.
  5. Gently fold in the blueberries. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them; add them straight from the freezer to keep the batter from turning blue-gray.
  6. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. The batter will be thick and somewhat bumpy — that's normal.
  7. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should feel firm when lightly pressed.
  8. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Then lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 9 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave a bar for 15-20 seconds. These bars also freeze well — wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Allergen note: Contains dairy (butter, milk) and gluten (oats). For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and coconut oil or vegan butter. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. The egg helps bind the bars; a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, rested 5 minutes) works as a substitute but the texture will be slightly more tender and crumbly. Always consult a qualified professional for specific dietary needs.