Blueberry Soft Baked Bars: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them

There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up homemade snacks, and let me tell you, my Blueberry Soft Baked Bars have quickly become a go-to in my kitchen! These bars are not just delicious; they’re a wonderful blend of nutrition and taste, making them perfect for breakfast or a midday pick-me-up. I love how easy they are to make – you can have a batch ready in no time, filling your home with that delightful aroma of baked blueberries and cinnamon. Trust me, there’s nothing like the joy of biting into a warm, soft bar that’s bursting with juicy blueberries!

Whenever I make these bars, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic. They remind me of lazy Sunday mornings spent with family, where we’d savor a sweet treat alongside our coffee. Plus, they’re packed with wholesome ingredients, so I can feel good about what I’m eating. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, these Blueberry Soft Baked Bars are sure to brighten your day. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious bites together!

Ingredients List

Let’s gather everything we need to whip up these delightful Blueberry Soft Baked Bars! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 110 g oat flour: This gluten-free flour gives the bars a lovely texture and is packed with fiber.
• 50 g ground almonds: These add a nutty flavor and healthy fats, making the bars rich and satisfying.
• 1/4 tsp baking powder: A little leavening helps the bars rise slightly, giving them that perfect soft bite.
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon: This warm spice adds a cozy aroma and complements the blueberries beautifully.
• Pinch of salt: Just a tiny bit enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp honey: A natural sweetener that adds moisture and a touch of floral sweetness.
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted: This brings healthy fats and a subtle coconut flavor. Make sure it’s melted for easy mixing!
• 1 tbsp milled flaxseed or ground chia seeds: These act as a binder and add a boost of omega-3s. Choose whichever you prefer!
• 3 tbsp water: This helps activate the flaxseed or chia seeds, creating a gel-like consistency.
• 200 g frozen blueberries: These juicy little gems are the star of the show! No need to thaw them first; they’ll bake up perfectly.
• 2.5 tbsp chia seeds: These will thicken the blueberry jam filling, giving it a delightful texture.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of acidity brightens the flavor of the blueberries and balances the sweetness.

With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating something delicious! Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Blueberry Soft Baked Bars

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part – making these scrumptious Blueberry Soft Baked Bars! I’ll walk you through each step, so you’ll know exactly what to do. Trust me, you’ll be enjoying these bars in no time!

Making the Chia Jam Filling

First, we’ll create the delicious chia jam filling! Start by adding the 200 g frozen blueberries into a saucepan along with 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook this mixture over low to medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. As the blueberries start to soften, grab a fork or a potato masher and gently mash them down. You want to break them up a bit but leave some chunks for that delightful texture. Once you’ve got a nice mash going, take it off the heat and fold in 2.5 tbsp chia seeds. This will help thicken the jam and give it a lovely consistency. Let it cool completely while we prepare the dough!

Preparing the Dough

To make the dough, we’ll begin by mixing the 1 tbsp milled flaxseed with 3 tbsp water in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will turn into a gel-like mixture that acts as our binder. In a larger bowl, combine 110 g oat flour, 50 g ground almonds, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Once that’s mixed well, add in your flaxseed mixture, 2 tbsp melted coconut oil, and 2 tbsp honey. Mix everything together until you have a nice, cohesive dough. It should be soft but not sticky, perfect for rolling out!

Assembling the Bars

Now comes the fun part – assembling your bars! Divide the dough in half and roll out one portion on a sheet of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thick. I like to use a rolling pin for this, but you can also use your hands if you prefer. Spread your cooled blueberry chia jam right down the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving some space at the edges. Carefully fold the dough over the jam, pressing gently to seal it. Roll it up like a log, making sure the seam is on the bottom. Once you have your log, slice it into 6 equal bars. How easy was that?

Baking Instructions

It’s time to bake these beauties! Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (or 350°F) and place the bars in the basket. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. If you’re using a conventional oven, set it to 180°C/160°C fan/350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’re looking for that lovely golden color on top. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk nutrition! These Blueberry Soft Baked Bars not only taste amazing, but they also pack a punch when it comes to wholesome goodness. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one bar:

• Calories: 241
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.01g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 26mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how these bars fit into a balanced diet. With their blend of healthy fats, fiber, and protein, they’re a great option for a quick snack or breakfast on the go!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Blueberry Soft Baked Bars turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, when measuring your oat flour, it’s best to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, which can lead to dense bars. If you don’t have oat flour, feel free to use whole wheat flour instead; just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different.

For a fun twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the dough for extra crunch. You can also swap out the blueberries for other berries like raspberries or strawberries if you prefer. Just be aware that different fruits may alter the moisture level slightly, so keep an eye on the consistency of the filling.

Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step after baking! Letting the bars cool helps them firm up, making them easier to slice and enjoy. Happy baking!

Variations

One of the best things about these Blueberry Soft Baked Bars is how versatile they are! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try swapping out the blueberries for other fruits? Raspberries or chopped strawberries can add a delightful twist. You could even use mashed bananas for a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with cinnamon.

For a little extra zing, toss in some lemon or orange zest to the dough. It brightens the flavor and makes each bite feel like a sunny morning! If you love spices, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic kick that complements the fruit beautifully.

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins too! A handful of chopped nuts or seeds can introduce a satisfying crunch. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Blueberry Soft Baked Bars is super easy! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy a quick snack or breakfast all week long. Just make sure they’re sealed tight to maintain their softness!

If you prefer them warm, you can easily reheat the bars in the microwave. Just pop one in for about 10-15 seconds, and you’ll have that delightful warm, gooey texture back! Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until heated through. Enjoy them fresh, or chilled – either way, they’re simply delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why these Blueberry Soft Baked Bars are going to become a favorite in your home! They’re not just tasty; they come with a bunch of awesome benefits that make them a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under an hour! Perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.
• Nutritious: Packed with wholesome ingredients, they offer fiber, healthy fats, and a burst of antioxidants from the blueberries.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite fruits or add nuts for extra texture. The possibilities are endless!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well in the fridge, making it easy to grab a healthy snack whenever you need one.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them as breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert – they fit any occasion perfectly!

With all these reasons, I’m sure you’ll find them just as delightful as I do!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these Blueberry Soft Baked Bars? No worries! Here are some common queries I’ve come across, along with my answers to help you out.

Q1: Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh blueberries work wonderfully, but you might need to adjust the cooking time for the chia jam filling slightly, as they may cook down faster. Just keep an eye on them!

Q2: How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Great question! Using oat flour already makes these bars gluten-free, but make sure to check that your oat flour is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. You can also substitute with almond flour for a nutty twist!

Q3: Can I freeze the bars for later?
Yes, you can! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Q4: What can I substitute for honey?
If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, maple syrup works perfectly in place of honey. It adds a lovely flavor while keeping the bars sweet!

Q5: How do I know when the bars are done baking?
You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown color on top! If you gently press the center, it should spring back slightly. If it feels too soft, give them a few extra minutes in the oven.

Hope this helps clear things up, and happy baking!

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