Blueberry Crumb Bars

Blueberry Crumb Bars: A Simple Delight from My Kitchen

As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I crave delicious treats, but I don’t have the luxury of hours spent baking. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both quick and satisfying. These Blueberry Crumb Bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and using ingredients I usually have on hand. The result? A batch of crumbly, juicy, and utterly irresistible bars that are perfect for an afternoon snack, a quick dessert, or even a delightful addition to a potluck.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no fancy equipment or obscure ingredients required. Just a simple mix of dry ingredients, a wet mixture, and a layer of your favorite jam – I opted for a homemade chia jam for a little extra health boost, but any jam will do! The crumb topping is perfectly balanced, not too sweet and not too dry, creating a wonderful contrast with the juicy blueberries. The gluten-free adaptation works flawlessly, ensuring everyone can enjoy these bars. Honestly, even my picky eaters devoured these – and that's a major win in my book!

The best part? These bars are incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different jams, swap out the blueberries for other berries, or even add nuts or chocolate chips to the crumb topping for an extra layer of indulgence. Their versatility makes them a perfect recipe to personalize and adapt to your own preferences. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so much fun! From my kitchen to yours, I hope you enjoy this simple recipe as much as my family does. It's a testament to the fact that delicious doesn't always mean complicated.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups gluten free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 2 t almond milk
• 1 heaping tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 flax eggs (real eggs work too)
• 1/2 cup blueberry jam or jam of choice (I used chia jam)

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last a couple of weeks.

Tips and Variations:

• For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for enhanced flavor.
• Experiment with different types of jams, such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot.
• Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping for added texture and flavor.
• For a chocolatey twist, add some chocolate chips to the crumb topping.
• If you don't have flax eggs, you can substitute with two regular eggs.

This recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a testament to the joy of simple baking. It’s a recipe that makes you feel good, both to make and to eat. It's the kind of recipe that reminds you that even amidst a busy life, you can still find time for moments of sweetness and comfort. So go ahead, try it out, and let me know how you like it!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl.
• Mix wet in another bowl.
• Add dry to wet and mix until combined. I just used a spatula for this.
• Line an 8x8 glass baking dish with parchment paper. Leave enough paper to stick out the sides.
• Put ½ the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
• Spread the jam on top.
• Lastly, sprinkle the remaining mixture on top.
• Bake for 25 minutes.
• Let the bars completely cool before removing from the baking dish.
• Use a pizza cutter to cut into squares.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge. These should last a couple weeks. Enjoy!