Healthy Blueberry Almond Bars
If you’re looking for a healthy, satisfying treat that’s easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients, these Blueberry Almond Oatmeal Bars are a must-try! My daughter absolutely loves them, and even though oats aren’t usually my favorite, I find myself reaching for these time and time again. These bars are perfect as a breakfast on the go, a mid-morning snack, or even a light dessert. However, since they’re fairly rich in oats and oat flour, I recommend pairing them with a side of protein, such as Greek Yougurt, cottage cheese, or a protein-packed smoothie, to ensure balanced blood sugar levels and sustained energy.
Ingredients:
2 cups organic old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup organic oat flour
3/4 cup organic almond flour
1 scoop unflavored protein powder
1 tsp organic cinnamon
1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
3 tbsp organic chia seeds
1/4 cup organic coconut sugar
2 tbsp organic almond butter
1 tbsp water
1/4 cup organic applesauce
1/4 cup organic pure maple syrup
2 tsp organic vanilla extract
1 tsp organic almond extract
1 cup organic blueberries
1/3 cup roughly chopped organic almonds
Instructions:
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, oat flour, almond flour, protein powder, cinnamon, salt, chia seeds, and coconut sugar.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, water, applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. Gently fold in the blueberries and chopped almonds.
Pack & Bake: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the pan using the back of a spoon or your hands. This step is crucial for ensuring the bars hold their shape. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool & Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Cooling is essential to prevent crumbling.
Store: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips & Tricks
Customize the Texture: If you prefer softer bars, drizzle a tiny bit of hot water over the top before serving. For a crunchier texture, bake them for the full 30 minutes and toast individual servings in a toaster oven before eating.
Meal Prep-Friendly: These bars are excellent for meal prep. Bake a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have a healthy snack or breakfast ready for the week. Take them out of the oven at the 25 min mark. When you’re ready to eat them, cut into bars and place the serving in the toaster oven for about 7 minutes to warm.
Ingredient Swaps:
Swap almond butter with peanut butter for a different flavor.
Use raspberries, strawberries, or even chopped apples instead of blueberries.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s a closer look at the wholesome ingredients that make these bars both delicious and nourishing:
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: A great source of fiber, helping with digestion and keeping you full. I recommend using organic, gluten-free oats if needed.
Oat Flour & Almond Flour: These provide structure while keeping the bars gluten-free. Almond flour also adds healthy fats and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.
Protein Powder: I love using an unflavored protein powder, like Be Well By Kelly’s brand, to give these bars an extra protein boost. It’s optional but highly recommended, especially if you’re pairing these bars with a smoothie.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, adding a slight crunch and extra nutrition.
Blueberries: Fresh or frozen, blueberries bring a burst of natural sweetness and antioxidants to the recipe.
Almond Butter: This helps bind the ingredients together while adding a creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Coconut Sugar & Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners provide just the right amount of sweetness without causing a sugar crash.
My Favorite Brands
For the best results, I recommend using high-quality, organic ingredients. Here are my go-to brands for this recipe:
Be Well By Kelly unflavored protein powder
Artisana Organics raw almond butter
Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free organic old-fashioned rolled oats
Arrowhead Mills organic oat flour
Anthony’s organic almond flour
Nutiva organic chia seeds
Why Pair These Bars with Protein?
Oats and blueberries are healthy carbs that provide quick energy, but without adequate protein, they can lead to a blood sugar spike followed by a crash. Pairing these bars with a protein source, like a protein smoothie or Greek yogurt, helps balance blood sugar levels and keeps you full longer. This simple step makes these bars not only delicious but also a functional part of your nutrition plan.
These Blueberry Almond Oatmeal Bars are a staple in my household. They’re nutritious, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week, looking for a kid-approved snack, or wanting a healthy treat, these bars are a perfect choice.
Try them out, and let me know what you think! What’s your favorite way to enjoy these bars? Share your tips or variations in the comments below. Happy baking!
