Blueberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars
These Blueberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars are a cross between a Granola Bar & Blueberry Pie! They are Gluten-free & ADDICTIVE!
Indulge in the delightful goodness of Blueberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars, perfectly infused with sweetness and finished with a delectable oat crumble topping. These gluten-free and vegan Blueberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars are a breeze to make, and offer the same luscious taste as blueberry pie, making them the ultimate treat that you will surely crave.
These amazing Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, which are not too sweet or heavy, making them ideal for a quick breakfast or snack on-the-go. The crunchy oatmeal crumble on top adds a delightful toasted oat flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Experience the simplicity of these Blueberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars, which require only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients and can be whipped up in just 10 minutes. With a baking time of only 30 minutes, you'll have a delectable treat in no time. For this recipe, gather the following:
Oat flour: easily create a gluten-free recipe by using oat flour. Simply add your rolled oats to a powerful blender or spice grinder to make oat flour in seconds (grind until you get a flour consistency, this takes seconds to do!
Rolled oats: old-fashioned rolled oats are needed for the scrumptious crumble topping. Ensure they are gluten-free and avoid steel cut oats.
Nuts: To give your healthy blueberry bars a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, I added some pecans to the mix. Simply toast your whole pecans at 350F for 8-10 min, then chop them up into small pieces & add to the oat crumble. Not only will the pecans add an extra layer of deliciousness to your bars, but they will also provide a boost of healthy fats and nutrients. You could also use walnuts instead of the pecans.
Sweetener: coconut sugar adds this caramel flavor and a great natural sweetener option. Coconut Sugar, also known as coconut palm sugar, is a natural sweetener that is made from the sap of coconut palm trees. It has gained popularity in recent years as a healthier alternative to refined sugar. Here are some of the potential benefits of coconut sugar:
Lower glycemic index: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index compared to regular table sugar, meaning it causes a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or those who are trying to manage their blood sugar levels.
Nutrient-rich: Coconut sugar contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. While the amounts are not significant enough to rely on as a primary source of these nutrients, every little bit can help contribute to overall health and well-being.
Sustainable: Coconut palm trees require less water and resources to grow compared to other crops, making coconut sugar a more environmentally friendly option.
Unrefined: Unlike refined sugar, which is stripped of all its natural nutrients during processing, coconut sugar is less processed and retains some of its natural nutrients.
Versatile: Coconut sugar can be used as a one-to-one replacement for regular sugar in most recipes, making it a convenient and versatile option for baking and cooking.
Overall, coconut sugar is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, although it should still be consumed in moderation as it is still a source of calories and sugar.
Cinnamon: infuses a pie-like taste into the crust and crumble.
Baking essentials: don't forget the baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
Butter: aids in creating clumpy and golden-brown crumble. Use vegan butter to make the bars dairy-free and vegan-friendly!
Blueberry Jam: A healthy and delicious way to enjoy the many benefits of blueberries. However, it is important to choose a jam that is low in added sugars to avoid consuming too much sugar.
Enjoy!
xoxo
SiLLibake
Yield: 12-16 Squares
Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
Cook Time: 30-35 MINUTES
Total Time: 40-45 MINUTES
Ingredients:
1 cup gluten free oat flour (or sub all purpose flour)
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans
½ cup coconut sugar or packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
8 tablespoons butter or vegan buttery stick, melted
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup of Blueberry Jam or any other flavor jam you prefer
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease & line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Make the base + topping: In a large bowl, use a fork to mix together the oat flour, oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add in melted butter (brown butter would be fantastic here!), vanilla extract and stir until a nice crumble forms and everything has been thoroughly coated in the butter
Place 2/3 of the mixture into the prepared pan and place the remaining mixture into the fridge (the remaining mixture will be used for the topping). Use your hands to evenly press the dough to the bottom of the pan.
Next, add the jam over the crust and use a spoon to evenly spread leaving a 1/4-inch border uncovered at the edges (the jam will melt and spread closer to the edges).
Take the remaining topping out of the fridge. Sprinkle the topping over the blueberry filling.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden.
Allow bars to cool completely on a wire rack before transferring to the fridge to chill. Bars are delicious served at room temperature or straight out of the fridge. Use a sharp knife to cut into 12-16 bars before serving.
To Store these Blueberry Oatmeal Pecan Bars: the bars are delicious served at room temperature or straight out of the fridge. I recommend storing in the fridge for optimal freshness.
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