Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned, gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried blueberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil (such as coconut oil)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients carefully. Chop the pecans coarsely. If using fresh blueberries, gently rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. Toss well to distribute evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together your choice of sweetener (honey or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and melted butter or oil until smooth. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently, coating all components without crushing the oats.
- Fold in Blueberries: Carefully fold the blueberries into the mixture, keeping them whole so they burst during baking and add natural sweetness without making the mixture soggy.
- Bake or Chill: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and press the mixture firmly into a compact layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Alternatively, for a no-bake version, press the mixture firmly into a tray and chill in the refrigerator until set.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the baked or chilled oaties to cool completely before slicing into bars or squares. Cooling ensures the oaties hold their shape and have the ideal chewy texture.
Notes
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best chewy texture; quick oats may make the bars too soft.
- Press the mixture firmly into the baking tray to keep bars from crumbling.
- Fold blueberries in gently to preserve their shape and avoid excess moisture.
- Toast pecans lightly beforehand to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Cool completely before cutting to prevent breaking or crumbling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: blueberry pecan bars, oatmeal snack, healthy snack, gluten-free snack, energy bars, homemade granola bars