Name: Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup oat flour; 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats; ½ cup coconut sugar; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 6 Tablespoons coconut oil (room temperature/solid); 2 Tablespoons water; 2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen); Zest of one lemon; 1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch; 2 Tablespoons hemp hearts

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that perfectly balances wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavor, then this Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, slightly chewy oat-based bars hugging a luscious, juicy blueberry filling, all brightened up with a hint of lemon zest and the subtle nuttiness of hemp hearts. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also sneaks in nutrient-rich components like rolled oats and coconut sugar, making it a guilt-free treat that everyone will adore. Once you try it, I promise these bars will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight white bowls and one small wooden bowl arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. The largest bowl at the top left holds a light beige, fine oat flour. To the right is another large bowl filled with flat, pale tan oat flakes. On the bottom left, a bowl is full of dark blue, round blueberries. Above it is a bowl containing granulated brown coconut sugar. At the top center is a small white bowl with pale green hemp seeds. Next to it on the right is a bowl with white coconut oil in a soft, solid form. Below that is a small wooden bowl holding coarse white sea salt. Near the lower center right, there's a small bowl containing a white powder labeled arrowroot or cornstarch. Finally, a very small bowl at the bottom center holds bright yellow lemon zest. The bowls vary in size and texture but all are white, set against a clean white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of natural ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the hearty oat flour and rolled oats that create the perfect crumb, to the vibrant blueberries that give the bars their signature tangy sweetness. These ingredients are easy to find but come together in a way that feels special and homemade.

1 cup oat flour: Provides a wholesome base with a tender texture that’s gluten-free (if using certified oat flour).
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats: Adds chewiness and a rustic crunch to the crumble layers.
½ cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that gives a subtle caramel note without the refined sugars.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
6 Tablespoons coconut oil (room temperature/solid): Brings moisture and helps bind the crumble crust and topping.
2 Tablespoons hemp hearts: Adds a delicate nutty flavor and a boost of protein and healthy fats.
2 cups blueberries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient—bursting with antioxidants and vivid color.
Zest of one lemon: Infuses bright citrus notes that lift the fruity filling.
2 Tablespoons water: Helps the filling achieve the perfect consistency.
1 Tablespoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch: Thickens the blueberry filling to a luscious jam-like texture.

How to Make Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper or giving it a light spray of cooking spray. This ensures your bars come out effortlessly clean and in perfect slices later.

Step 2: Simmer the Blueberry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, lemon zest, water, and arrowroot powder. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir constantly for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and some berries release their juices. You want it thick enough to coat a spoon without dripping too much—that’s the sweet spot for that wonderful filling texture. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, stir together the oat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, and sea salt. This combo forms the crumbly base and topping, giving your bars a lovely, satisfying texture that’s hearty yet tender.

Step 4: Form the Crumble Dough

Add the coconut oil to your dry mix. Using your hands or a spoon, blend everything until it comes together into a crumbly dough. It should hold shape when pressed but still have that delightful crumble texture.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping Mix

Set aside about two-thirds of your crumble dough and place it into a small bowl. Stir in the hemp hearts to this portion, which you’ll sprinkle on top later for an extra crunch and subtle nutty dimension.

Step 6: Assemble the Crust

Press the remaining one-third of the crumble dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your hands to firmly pack it down, creating a sturdy but tender crust that holds the filling beautifully.

Step 7: Add the Blueberry Filling

Pour the thickened blueberry mixture evenly over the crust, making sure it’s spread nicely and reaching the edges for that perfect jammy bite in every bar.

Step 8: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble-and-hemp hearts mixture over the blueberry layer in an even fashion. Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the blueberry filling is bubbling at the edges. When done, set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely—this step is key to help your bars firm up and cut cleanly.

Step 9: Cool and Cut

Once cooled, slice into 12 bars. These are wonderful right away, but I personally love chilling them for a while to let all those flavors meld and the texture set beautifully.

How to Serve Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe

The image shows a rectangular tray lined with white parchment paper, filled with a two-layer dessert. The bottom layer is dark purple with a smooth fruity texture, likely blueberry filling. The top layer is a golden brown crumbly oat mixture, spread evenly over the fruit layer, adding a crunchy texture. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface, with two yellow lemons on the right side and a small white bowl filled with blueberries on the top left corner. The overall presentation highlights the contrast between the deep purple fruit filling and the light brown oat topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a small dollop of Greek yogurt adds an elegant touch without overpowering the bars’ natural sweetness. Fresh mint leaves can also bring a burst of freshness to each serving.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a cup of freshly brewed herbal tea or a chilled glass of almond milk to complement the wholesome sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a light cottage cheese or ricotta for a protein boost alongside dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars cut into bite-sized squares on a rustic wooden tray for a charming picnic treat, or layer crumbled bars with vanilla yogurt and blueberries in mason jars for a visually stunning parfait. The healthy twist makes these perfect for brunch spreads or afternoon snacks with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast or snack option all week long.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your bars warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes or microwave a piece for 20 to 30 seconds. The blueberry filling will become luscious and the crumble topping even more comforting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work wonderfully; just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before simmering to avoid a runny filling.

Is this Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oat flour and oats, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I substitute the coconut oil?

You can replace coconut oil with melted butter or a neutral oil like avocado oil, but coconut oil adds a subtle flavor and helps with the firm crumble texture.

What’s the best way to cut these bars without them falling apart?

Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely. Chilling them in the fridge before slicing makes cutting cleaner and prevents crumbling.

Are there any other fruits I can use in place of blueberries?

Definitely! Raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped peaches work well. Just keep in mind that some fruits may require slight adjustments to the thickening agent to achieve the right filling texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars Recipe a try because it’s one of those treats that feels like a special indulgence without any of the guilt. From the wholesome oats to the vibrant berry filling, every bite offers a little happiness that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. Once you make these bars, they’ll quickly become a favorite you reach for again and again—enjoy every delicious moment!