These Blueberry Oat Bars are a wholesome, sweet, and satisfying treat made with real ingredients and no baking required. Featuring a fruity chia-blueberry jam layered between a soft, nutty oat base and a crumbly topping, they make a perfect kid-friendly snack or grab-and-go breakfast. Vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened, these bars are both nourishing and delicious.

Blueberry Oat Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required: Simple stovetop prep and fridge setting make this an easy recipe with minimal effort.
Healthy and satisfying: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein.
Naturally sweetened: Sweetened with maple syrup and fruit — no refined sugar.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and store in the fridge for the week.
Vegan and gluten-free: Great for a variety of dietary needs.
Kid-approved: Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet without being overly sugary.

Ingredients

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

1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chia seeds
⅓ cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
½ cup peanut butter
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup oat flour

Directions

Line a 5”x9” loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the blueberries, water, and chia seeds. Bring to a boil.
Mash the blueberries with a fork or spoon and simmer until the liquid reduces and the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a large bowl, mix the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and peanut butter until smooth.
Stir in the rolled oats and oat flour, mixing until fully combined.
Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan to create a base.
Spread the cooled blueberry chia jam evenly over the base.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the jam, pressing gently with a spoon to pack it down slightly.
Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or until firm.
Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into 8 equal bars.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 oat bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Setting Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 276 kcal per bar

Variations

Use other berries: Swap blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or a mixed berry blend.
Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Add crunch: Mix chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds into the oat mixture.
Chocolate twist: Add mini vegan chocolate chips to the topping or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bars.
Citrus boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the blueberry jam for brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Freezing:
Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Reheating:
No reheating required. Serve chilled or let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work just as well. No need to thaw—just cook them directly in the saucepan.

What can I use instead of oat flour?

You can make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor until fine. Almond flour may also work, but it will affect the texture.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.

Can I make these nut-free?

Absolutely. Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.

Is there a substitute for chia seeds?

Ground flaxseeds can be used, but the texture and thickening ability may be slightly different.

Do these bars hold their shape well?

Yes, once fully chilled, they’re firm enough to hold together and be packed as a snack.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the maple syrup slightly, but it may affect sweetness and binding. Try cutting back by 1–2 tablespoons and adjusting to taste.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is best. Avoid peanut butters with added sugar and oils for a cleaner recipe.

Can I serve these to toddlers or kids?

Yes, these bars are soft, naturally sweetened, and packed with healthy fats — great for children.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger pan (like 8×8 inches) and increase setting time if needed.

Conclusion

Blueberry Oat Bars are a nutritious and delicious make-ahead snack that checks all the boxes: simple, wholesome, satisfying, and allergy-friendly. With a fruity jam layer and a soft oat crumble, they’re great for breakfast on the go, lunchboxes, or a guilt-free treat any time of day. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal prepping, or just craving something naturally sweet, these bars are sure to hit the spot.