Breakfast Blueberry Oat Crumble Bars

The perfect summer breakfast! These blueberry oat crumble bars are made with real berries, naturally sweetened and packed with flavour.

Being from Ontario, I look forward to blueberry season every year. It's the one time of year when blueberries don't cost an arm and a leg and you know every time you bite into a blueberry it's going to be perfect. Which is why I try to optimize the amount of blueberries I'm able to consume during the months of July to August. These blueberry oat crumble bars are the perfect way to do that!

The perfect meal prep option!

Picture this: a layer of nourishing cinnamon oatmeal, topped with fresh (or frozen) blueberries, finished with the perfect naturally sweetened oat crumble topping. That's what you can expect when you bite into these blueberry oat crumble bars. If I haven't convinced you to make these yet.. they take less than 15 minutes of hands on preparation AND they make an amazing meal prep option!

If you know me you know I love a good quick, easy and nourishing meal. Which is why I love recipes like baked oats! They're the perfect way to minimize your time preparing and maximize your time eating a filling breakfast on a busy morning. Plus these blueberry oat crumble bars taste exactly like dessert, so who wouldn't want to wake up to these?

and for more meal prep breakfasts try out these:

• spinach and feta egg cups
• banana bread oat cups
• apple pie oat cups
• high protein cheesecake overnight oats

How do I make these oat crumble bars?

I swear this is one of those recipes that seems complicated and will impress everyone you make it for BUT it's actually incredibly simple!

1. Prepare your baked oatmeal base: To make this recipe a nourishing breakfast option- the base of these blueberry oat crumble bars is baked oatmeal! So gather your ingredients, mix them all together and pour into a rectangle baking pan.
2. It's time for the main event: The blueberries! Top your baked oatmeal base with a layer of fresh (or frozen) blueberries! Yep- it's that simple. Just pour your blueberries on top and your ready for the next step.
3. Prepare your oat crumble topping! You've reached the final step! To finish off your blueberry oat crumble bars mix together your oat crumble topping using a fork in a large bowl. The ideal consistency is a crumble that is able to clump together but it shouldn't be wet enough to be considered a cookie dough! If your batter is too dry add a bit more melted coconut oil, if it's too wet add some more oats or oat flour! Crumble that on top of your blueberries and it's ready for the oven!

How can I add more protein to these baked oat bars?

As a Registered Dietitian, I am all about finding ways to make every meal as balanced as possible, without making it overly complicated! Although these blueberry oat crumble bars are a great breakfast on their own they are lacking a little in the protein department!

My favourite ways to add a little protein to these include:

• Topping them with a dollop of whipped cream
• Adding some sneaky unflavored or vanilla protein in the baked oatmeal base: simply replace ¼ cup of the oats in the baked oatmeal with protein powder!
• Pair with eggs cooked the way you like them

OR enjoy these amazing breakfast crumble bars as is and just make sure you are including a good source of protein at your next meal!

What ingredients do I need for blueberry oat crumble bars?

Oats- You can't make oat crumble bars without oats! I like to use minute oats but really any type of rolled or quick oats will work!

Eggs- For structure and protein! Eggs are what helps hold the baked oat base together. For a vegan substitute feel free to use two flax eggs by combining 2 tablespoons of ground flax seed with 6 tablespoons of water!

Spices- Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are the only spices you need to help bring the coziest flavours to these blueberry oat crumble bars. I personally love the combination of all three in crumbles, however the most important one is cinnamon if you would like to omit the ginger and nutmeg!

Milk- As with all of my recipes any milk will work! I personally use dairy milk for added calcium, vitamin D and protein but the choice is yours! The milk just helps create the moist oat layer.

Maple syrup- These blueberry crumble bars are naturally sweetened using only maple syrup! If you prefer to use honey that is totally fine as well!

Coconut oil- Coconut oil is the fat source in this recipe! It helps hold everything together while creating a moist texture! Butter is a great substitute if you are looking for an alternative!

Oat flour- For my oat crumble I like to use oat flour (blended oats). However any flour will work just fine!

Blueberries- Fresh or frozen! I like to take advantage of Ontario blueberry season and use fresh blueberries whenever I can BUT frozen blueberries also work just fine (don't thaw them first!). You can also substitute blueberries for any berry or even try a mixed berry medley!

Walnuts- For some healthy fats (and added crunch). Adding walnuts helps create the perfect crumble layer on these oat bars. If you prefer a different nut any chopped nuts will work just fine (or even use a mix of a few types)! OR for a nut free version, just leave them out and add some more oats.

8x8 square baking dish- This recipe uses a square cake pan! This one on Amazon works perfectly!

PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make these blueberry oat crumble bars don't forget to tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment below how they turned out!

📖 Recipe