Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
If you're looking for a fruity, wholesome treat that's both delicious and easy to make, these Blueberry Oatmeal Bars are your new go-to recipe. With a soft, chewy base, bursts of juicy blueberries, and a sweet glaze on top, these bars are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or a light dessert. Best of all, they're made with plant-based ingredients and can easily be made gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
Vegan and dairy-free
Can be made gluten-free with certified GF oats and a flour swap
Naturally sweetened with a mix of coconut sugar and cane sugar
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick treat
These healthy blueberry oatmeal bars are soft, fruity, and lightly sweet — everything you want in a snack bar, without the processed ingredients found in store-bought versions.
Storage Tips
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days
For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.
These vegan blueberry oatmeal bars are wholesome, fruity, and topped with a sweet, simple glaze that takes them to the next level. Whether you're grabbing one on the go or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this recipe is a keeper.
Ingredient Breakdown & Substitutions for Blueberry Oatmeal Bars
1. Applesauce (1/2 cup)
What it does: Acts as a natural binder and adds moisture to the bars without needing eggs. It also contributes a subtle sweetness.
Substitution: Mashed ripe banana or plain dairy-free yogurt can work in place of applesauce (same amount). Banana will add a stronger flavor.
2. Vegan Butter (1/4 cup)
What it does: Adds richness and helps create that soft, buttery texture in the bars.
Substitution: Use melted coconut oil or a neutral oil (like avocado or canola oil). Keep in mind that coconut oil may add a hint of coconut flavor.
3. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
What it does: Enhances the flavor of the blueberries and sweet ingredients with a warm, aromatic note.
Substitution: You can use almond extract for a different twist (use half the amount), or leave it out if necessary.
4. Almond Butter (1/4 cup)
What it does: Provides healthy fats, flavor, and helps bind the mixture. It also gives a subtle nuttiness that pairs well with blueberries.
Substitution: Any nut or seed butter will work here — try peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
5. Sugar (1/2 cup)
What it does: Adds sweetness and helps with the soft, chewy texture. Using a blend of coconut sugar and cane sugar gives it a slightly caramel-like flavor.
Substitution: Use all coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option, or swap with maple syrup or agave — but reduce other liquids slightly to maintain texture.
6. Baking Powder (2 teaspoons)
What it does: Leavens the bars, helping them rise slightly and stay tender.
Substitution: If you’re out of baking powder, you can make a DIY version with 1 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp cream of tartar.
7. Rolled Oats (1 cup)
What it does: Adds texture and heartiness to the bars.
Substitution: Use quick oats for a softer texture, or certified gluten-free oats if you need the recipe to be fully gluten-free. Steel-cut oats won't work here.
8. Almond Flour (1/3 cup)
What it does: Adds a tender crumb and nutty richness to the bars while keeping them light.
Substitution: Use oat flour or finely ground sunflower seed flour as an allergy-friendly alternative. Don’t use coconut flour — it's too absorbent.
9. All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup)
What it does: Provides structure and binds the ingredients together.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the recipe gluten-free. Whole wheat flour can work too, but it may make the bars a bit denser.
10. Blueberries (1 cup)
What it does: The star of the show! They add moisture, natural sweetness, and bursts of fruity flavor.
Substitution: Use frozen blueberries (no need to thaw), raspberries, chopped strawberries, or even a mixed berry blend.
Glaze Ingredients
11. Powdered Sugar (1 cup)
What it does: Creates a sweet, classic glaze that perfectly complements the tartness of the berries.
Substitution: Use a powdered monk fruit sweetener or organic icing sugar for a lower-sugar or natural option.
12. Nondairy Milk (2–4 tbsp)
What it does: Thins the powdered sugar to a drizzle-able glaze.
Substitution: Any plant-based milk will work — try almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. Water can also be used in a pinch.
Ingredients:
Applesauce
Vegan butter
Vanilla extract
Almond butter
Sugar
Baking powder
Oats
Almond flour
All-purpose flour
Blueberries
Powdered sugar
Nondairy milk
Recipe:
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup vegan butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup almond butter
1/2 cup sugar (I used half coconut sugar half cane sugar)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup oats
1/3 cup almond flour
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons nondairy milk
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the applesauce, vegan butter, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Add dry ingredients: Mix in baking powder, oats, almond flour, and all-purpose flour until a thick dough forms.
Fold in blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overmix (especially if using frozen berries).
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before adding the glaze.
Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with 2–4 tablespoons of nondairy milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Be sure to store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer. The bars should last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also store these in the freezer. It should last for up to a month.
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If you ever have any questions about a recipe or substitutions, don’t hesitate to reach out!