Name: Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-487087H8M38S
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour); 1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a comforting crumbly topping and juicy blueberry filling. The best part? They’re made with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond flour, and honey, so you get a naturally sweet, fiber-rich treat. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising on health!

Ingredients

For the crust and crumble topping:

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
1/4 cup coconut sugar or maple sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

For the blueberry filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter or oil.
Prepare the crust and crumble topping:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the melted coconut oil (or butter) and honey (or maple syrup), and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture to use for the topping later.
Press the remaining oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down evenly.
Make the blueberry filling:
In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, honey (or maple syrup), and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the blueberries to release their juices and soften. If you want a thicker filling, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and add it to the saucepan. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Spread the blueberry filling evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the blueberry filling, covering it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This will help them set and make them easier to cut.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 bars
Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Berry Crumble Bars: Swap the blueberries for other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different twist.
Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and substitute the honey with maple syrup for a completely plant-based version.
Add Nuts: For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping.
Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the blueberry filling for an extra citrusy zing.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! After they’ve cooled completely, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, microwave a bar for 20-30 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking and drain any excess liquid.

2. Can I use a different flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with whole wheat flour, oat flour, or even gluten-free flour blends, depending on your dietary preferences.

3. Can I make these bars without honey or maple syrup?

You can substitute the honey or maple syrup with coconut sugar, agave, or a sugar substitute. Just be aware that the sweetness and texture may slightly vary.

4. How do I prevent the filling from becoming too runny?

If you prefer a thicker filling, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickening agent. It will help set the filling and prevent it from becoming too watery.

5. Can I add more sweetener to the blueberry filling?

Yes, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the blueberry filling to your taste by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed.

6. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of almond flour.

7. Can I use a different oil for the crust?

Yes, you can use melted butter or another neutral oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil in place of coconut oil.

8. How do I cut the bars neatly?

Make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to slice into neat squares.

9. Can I add other fruits to these bars?

Yes, you can mix and match fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or peaches with the blueberries for a different flavor profile.

10. How can I make the bars sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter bars, you can add extra honey or maple syrup to both the crust and the blueberry filling to suit your taste.

Conclusion

These Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars are a delightful, wholesome treat that you can enjoy any time of day. With a crunchy oat crumble, sweet blueberry filling, and minimal sugar, they’re a satisfying snack or dessert that won’t derail your healthy eating habits. Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light dessert, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor!