These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are moist blueberry almond oatmeal bars packed with 6 grams of protein and a lot of fiber to keep you full in the morning. They are egg-free, refined sugar-free, use only wholesome ingredients, and taste like a blueberry coffee cake.
Classic oatmeal bars are usually packed with sugar from cane sugar and chocolate chips and saturated fat from butter. These healthy oatmeal bars use unrefined coconut sugar and fruits to add fiber and naturally sweeten the breakfast bar. Almond butter adds healthy omega fatty acids and protein to the bars without using protein powder, Finally, oats and wholewheat flour add fiber to keep your gut happy and regular.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need a few ingredients to make these bars. Here’s how to pick them.
- Almond Butter – This provides moisture, richness, and a nutty flavor. It binds the ingredients together and contributes healthy fats. You can swap it with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative, but avoid using any nut butter with added sugar or preservatives, as this could alter the flavor and texture.
- Almond Milk – This acts as a liquid to hydrate the dry ingredients and create the right consistency for the batter. You can use other plant-based milks like soy, oat, or coconut milk, but avoid sweetened varieties, as they may affect the sweetness and flavor balance.
- Vanilla Extract – For more flavor and to add some sweetness without sugar.
- Coconut Sugar – A natural sweetener with a mild caramel flavor. You can substitute with other crystal sweeteners like demerara, muscovado, or unrefined cane sugar, but avoid using liquid sweeteners as they will alter the consistency of the batter.
- White Whole Wheat Flour – Whole flour adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor to the bars. For a gluten-free option, swap it with all-purpose gluten-free flour, but avoid using coconut flour as it absorbs too much moisture and will make the bars dry.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – Oats provide texture, fiber, and protein. Old-fashioned oats give a chewy consistency to the bars, but quick oats will work if you prefer a softer texture. Avoid steel-cut oats, as they will not soften properly in the batter.
- Baking Powder – To make the bars fluffy.
- Blueberries – Blueberries add sweetness and antioxidants. Fresh or frozen blueberries both work well; no need to thaw frozen berries. You can substitute with other berries like raspberries, boysenberries, or strawberries, but avoid dried fruits as they won’t provide the same moisture content.
- Sliced Almonds – To add crunch, flavor, and a touch of nuttiness. You can swap them with shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or pecans for different textures and flavors, or skip entirely for a nut-free version.
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Bars
If you like photos over text, let me share how to whip up these bars in a few pictures.
Combine the wet ingredients in a bowl and pour all the dry ingredients on top.
Stir the batter until it’s sticky and consistent and gently incorporate the blueberries.
Pour the batter into a square baking pan lined with oiled parchment paper.
Sprinkle sliced almonds on the top and bake the bars for 35-40 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C).
Carine’s Baking Tips
While this recipe is super-easy, I have a few more tips for you to make them perfect every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure the almond butter and almond milk are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Fresh Nut Butter – Make sure you use fresh, natural nut butter. If your jar is old and dry, the batter will be dry too. Adjust the batter by adding a bit more almond milk if really too dry.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter – Stir the batter just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough bars.
- Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon and level the flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag to prevent adding too much flour, which could make the bars dry.
- Let the Batter Settle – Once you pour the batter into the pan, gently tap the pan on the counter to remove any air bubbles and create an even surface.
- Check for Doneness – Test the bars with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool the Bars Completely – Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart.
- Add More Protein – Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder into the batter without altering the texture too much.
- Use Frozen Blueberries – If using frozen berries, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand. They’ll bake into the bars and maintain their shape better than thawed berries.
- Cut Bars Evenly – Use a serrated knife to slice the bars for clean edges, as this will help prevent them from crumbling.
Storage & Freezing Tips
You can keep the oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent sticking. If you want to store them longer, freeze the bars individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds.
More Oatmeal Bar Recipes
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Healthy Oatmeal Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond Butter - (note 1)
- ¾ cup Almond Milk - (note 5)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Coconut Sugar - (note 2)
- 1 cup White Whole Wheat Flour - (note 3)
- 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats - (note 4)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 cup Blueberries - (note 6)
- ½ cup Sliced Almonds - , divided (note 7)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Lightly oil the pan with cooking oil spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk almond butter, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Add coconut sugar, flour, oats, and baking powder. Use a rubber spatula to stir and form a thick sticky batter.
- Fold in the blueberries and half the amount of sliced almonds, and stir to evenly incorporate them.
- Pour the batter in the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds on top.
- Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes at 350 °F (180 °C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with few or no crumbs.
- Let them cool down in the pan for 15 minutes, then on a cooling rack.
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