These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are the perfect breakfast, snack, or light dessert! With a crumbly oatmeal crust and a sweet, gooey mixed berry filling, they’re made with wholesome ingredients like gluten-free oats, almond flour, and coconut oil, making them both satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they’re completely vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free—ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a cleaner, healthier treat.
The best part? These bars are easily customizable. You can swap in any frozen berries you have on hand, whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, or a mix of your favorites. If you prefer jam, you can use it as a substitute for the berry filling. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a ready-to-go breakfast throughout the week. Pair them with eggs, yogurt, or coconut yogurt for a complete and balanced meal!
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Oatmeal Bars:
- Gluten-Free & Vegan: Made without any animal products or gluten, these bars are perfect for almost any dietary preference.
- Easy to Make: Just mix the ingredients, layer, and bake. That’s it!
- Customizable: Use fresh or frozen berries, or even swap in your favorite jam for an extra sweet twist.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Prepare them once and enjoy a delicious breakfast or snack all week long.
More Breakfast Bar Recipes You’ll Love:
If you love these oatmeal bars, you’ll definitely want to check out these other fruity breakfast bars:
- Strawberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
- Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
- Almond Flour Strawberry Bars (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
- Healthy Apple Pie Bars (Vegan + Gluten-Free)
Common Questions
Are Oatmeal Bars Healthy? Yes! These bars are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, with no refined sugar. They’re a great option for a balanced breakfast when paired with protein like Greek yogurt or eggs.
Are These Oatmeal Bars Gluten-Free? Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these bars are completely gluten-free.
Can I Use Jam Instead of Fresh Berries? Yes! If you prefer using jam, substitute 1 ½ cups of your favorite variety and skip the berry filling step.
Can I Use Fresh Berries Instead of Frozen? Fresh berries will change the consistency of the filling, as fresh fruit releases less liquid. If you’re using fresh berries, try making Strawberry Oatmeal Bars instead for the best results.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mixed Berry Filling:
- 2 cups frozen berries (or a mix of your favorite berries)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons tapioca starch (or arrowroot starch)
Oatmeal Crust & Crumble Topping:
- 1 ¾ cups rolled oats (make sure they’re gluten-free if needed)
- 1 ¼ cups blanched almond flour (don’t use almond meal)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Healthy Oatmeal Bars:
1. Make the Mixed Berry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine frozen berries, lemon juice, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and sea salt.
- Heat over medium-low until the berries release their juices and become soupy (5-10 minutes).
- Take out 1-2 tablespoons of the liquid and mix it with the tapioca starch until smooth. Add the mixture back to the saucepan and cook for another minute to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool while preparing the oatmeal crust.
2. Make the Oatmeal Crust and Crumble Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
- Add maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything together, ensuring the coconut oil is evenly incorporated.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Reserve about ½ cup of the oatmeal mixture and set it aside for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the berry filling on top of the oatmeal base.
- Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal crumble evenly over the berry layer.
4. Bake and Cool:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. This helps them hold together better.
5. Store and Enjoy:
- Store the bars in the fridge, lightly covered, for up to a week. Enjoy them as a healthy breakfast, snack, or even dessert!
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Baking Dish: A 9×9-inch square dish works perfectly for this recipe. You can use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking.
- Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, use unbleached parchment paper.
Healthy Oatmeal Bars Recipe Summary:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 9
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Keywords: Healthy oatmeal bars, gluten-free oatmeal bars, vegan oatmeal bars, berry oatmeal bars, easy breakfast bars
These Healthy Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day or satisfy your cravings for a wholesome snack! Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free, vegan option or a quick make-ahead breakfast, this recipe is sure to please.