Healthier Blueberry Jam Bars
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These blueberry jam bars are soft, sweet, and bursting with fruity flavor. They have a hearty cookie-like base, a thick layer of juicy blueberry jam in the middle, and a dusting of oat crumble on top. They're an easy-to-make dessert or snack, and they're ready in just an hour!
For more delicious blueberry baked goods, try our paleo blueberry muffins and our lemon blueberry pancakes!
These blueberry jam bars are our favorite summer dessert by far! A thick layer of juicy blueberry jam is sandwiched between a hearty cookie-like crust and streusel topping, then baked until golden. They're easy to make vegan or gluten-free, and they come together in just a few easy steps (no baking experience required)!
Ingredients needed
These healthier oatmeal blueberry bars are filled with good-for-you ingredients! Here's what goes into the oat crumble:
- Butter + coconut oil: a combination of butter and coconut oil helps the crumble stick together while keeping it crispy, light, and flavorful. Use a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
- Honey: we use a runny honey as a sweetener but you can also use maple syrup to keep these bars vegan.
- Rolled oats: regular rolled oats give the crumble a hearty texture. You can also use quick oats or gluten-free rolled oats if needed.
- All-purpose flour: a bit of all-purpose flour gives the crumble topping a cookie-like quality. Use a gluten free all-purpose flour if needed.
- Sugar: we use a granulated sugar but you can substitute for light brown sugar or coconut sugar if desired.
- Sea salt: sea salt enhances all the amazing flavors!
Here's everything you need for the blueberry jam filling:
- Blueberries: we love using fresh blueberries in the summer when they're in season, otherwise frozen blueberries work great.
- Sugar or honey: use regular granulated sugar or honey as a natural alternative.
- Cornstarch: cornstarch helps the blueberry juice thicken into a jam-like consistency.
- Lemon juice + zest: fresh lemon juice and zest adds brightness and a subtle citrus pop that marries so well with the sweet blueberries.
How to make blueberry jam bars
These blueberry crumble bars are a delicious dessert or snack that goes great with a cup of tea. They're also simple to make by following a few easy steps:
- While your oven preheats, melt the butter and coconut oil then add the honey.
- Stir together the oats, flour, sugar, and sea salt in a large bowl. Pour in the butter mixture, mix well, and set some aside for the topping. Place the remaining mixture into your baking pan, and press it down firmly to form the crust.
- Make the blueberry jam by simmering the ingredients until they thicken.
- Pour the jam over the crust, sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture, and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let the jam bars cool and then cut them into squares. Enjoy!
Are these blueberry jam bars healthy?
We can't exactly call these blueberry jam bars āhealthy' but they are a healthier take on the original recipe. Here are the three tweaks we made:
- We doubled the blueberries making these bars loaded with juicy superfood.
- More oats, less flour. Adding more oats gives these bars a higher ratio of complex carbohydrates which is great news for your blood sugar!
- We use honey in the jam as a natural sweetener, and the bars can be made with coconut sugar (if you desire), which makes them lower in refined sugar.
If you love healthy blueberry recipes, also check out these:
What to serve with blueberry jam bars
These blueberry jam bars make a delicious dessert with a scoop of vanilla coconut ice cream or whipped cream. They also make a great afternoon snack, and we've even been known to enjoy one with our morning almond butter latte as a quick breakfast on-the-go!
Recipe FAQs
How long do these bars keep at room temperature?
These blueberry jam bars will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste great cold but can also be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes.
Can I use other berries?
Yep! Other berries like fresh raspberries and blackberries make a great substitute for blueberries. Use one type of berry or try a mix!
Can I use blueberry jam instead?
No, the fresh blueberry filling is really the highlight of this dessert and using jam won't work because it's too thick.
Healthier Blueberry Jam Bars Recipe
Ingredients
The Oat Crumble
- Ā½ cup butter
- Ā¼ cup coconut oil
- Ā¼ cup honey
- 1 Ā½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (sub gluten-free, if needed)
- Ā½ cup sugar (can use coconut sugar)
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8Ć8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a small pot, melt the butter and coconut oil. Pour the honey into the pot.Ā½ cup butter, Ā¼ cup coconut oil, Ā¼ cup honey
- In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, sugar, and sea salt. Pour the melted butter into the bowl (keep the pot handy) and mix well. Set aside 1 cup of the mix and pour the rest into the prepared baking pan. Press down firmly to create the crust.1 Ā½ cups rolled oats, 1 cup all-purpose flour, Ā½ cup sugar, A pinch of sea salt
- In the same pot used for the butter, add all the blueberry jam ingredients. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the jam thickens. It won't be as thick as jam from your fridge.3 cups fresh blueberries, Ā¼ cup sugar or honey, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Pour the jam over the crust and sprinkle the top with the remaining oats you set aside. Bake in your oven for 40 minutes.
- Let the blueberry jam bars cool in the pan and then remove them with the parchment paper and cut them into 12-16 bars.
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our dessert recipes!