Recipe: Blueberry Oat Bars

I just took photos of these beauties and now I'm eatin' them for breakfast.  Oh boy, are these a perfect healthy snack for anytime of day.  I made these for a "Bus Stop Tea Party" and they were an easy after school snack to prepare.  Blueberries are in season and this is a nice way to use them up.  I'm sure these would freeze nicely, and are perfect to pack in luches too.

BLUEBERRY OAT BARS
from Grin and Bake It

Filling
3 cups fresh or frozen berries
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch

Crumble and Crust
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (quick-cooking or regular)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened and cut into 7-9 large chunks
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Filling: In a medium saucepan, stir together berries and lemon juice and cook medium heat until fruit is tender, about 8-15 minutes, depending on type of berries being used.

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar and cornstarch, then stir into fruit mixture. Continue cooking until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, until thick. Scrape berry filling into a medium bowl and set aside.

Crust: Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan.  I also lined the pan with parchment paper with about 1" hanging over on each side.

In a food processor (or large mixing bowl), combine flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, baking soda , salt and vanilla extract. Pulse until mixture is thoroughly blended and resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of this mixture in a medium bowl.

Pour remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spread evenly and pat down. Place filling in dollops over crust and carefully spread to cover entire surface. Squeeze reserved crumb mixture into large clumps with your fingers and sprinkle evenly over the top of the fruit filling.

Bake until golden brown, about 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Cut into 20 bars to serve.

Printable Recipe

Similar recipes you may like ~
Applesauce Oatmeal Bars
Martha Stewart's Jam Crumble Bars

Enjoy!

from the book "The Golden Book of Poetry"
Edited by Jane Werner
Illustrated by Gertrude Elliott
1949, Golden Press

I purchased this book from a local thrift shop.