Name: Healthy Blueberry Crumble Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 cup oat flour (homemade or store-bought); ½ cup almond flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup coconut oil (melted); ¼ cup real maple syrup; 2 ½ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen); 3 tbsp coconut sugar; 2 tsp tapioca starch or cornstarch; Zest of one lemon; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ⅔ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free or regular); ¼ cup almond flour (spooned & leveled); ¼ cup pecans or walnuts (finely chopped); ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup pure maple syrup; 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

These healthy blueberry crumble bars taste like blueberry pie with a delicious gluten-free shortbread base and a crumbly oat crisp topping. They're the perfect vegan treat for spring and summer.

healthy blueberry pie crumble bars with shortbread base and oatmeal crisp

Best ever blueberry pie crumble bars

These healthy blueberry pie bars are my all-time favorite dessert recipe. I love berry crumbles and crisps, especially in the summertime. Lately, we've been making this healthy peach crisp and blueberry crisp. And what better way to enjoy them than in bar form!

These healthier blueberry oatmeal bars are a delicious treat made with real food ingredients that I know you’ll love. They are easy to make and call for wholesome ingredients. These berry oat bars have the perfect cookie crust and crisp crumble topping, made with almond flour, gluten-free rolled oats, and a dash of maple syrup.

These blueberry bars are nothing short of delicious. Honestly, you could enjoy one of these irresistible blueberry pie bars any time of day. Since these bars get most of their sweetness from the sugars naturally found in the blueberries plus a little maple syrup, they are low in sugar! So catch me enjoying one in the morning for breakfast, as a snack, or as a healthy dessert.

This is the ideal healthier dessert recipe to serve at dinner parties, summer grillouts, the Fourth of July, and family dinners. I cannot wait to hear what you think about this recipe; please leave a comment below!

Why you'll love this recipe:

Healthy Ingredients: Uses wholesome, natural ingredients.
Gluten-Free Option: Made with oat and almond flour.
Use Frozen or Fresh Blueberries: Juicy and flavorful.
Buttery (Healthy) Shortbread Base: So so so delicious!
Easy to Make: Simple steps with common ingredients.
Customizable: Adapt with different berries or add-ins.
Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugars.
Perfect Texture: Firm base, juicy filling, crumbly topping.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings and family dinners.
Try this Mixed Berry Orange Crisp or Blueberry Crisp next!

healthy blueberry pie crumble bar with a shortbread base

Ingredients needed

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these healthy blueberry bars! They're easy to make, gluten-free, and topped with the most delicious oatmeal crumble. Plus, you can use fresh or frozen blueberries. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:

The shortbread base and oatmeal crumble streusel:

Oat Flour: You can use homemade or store-bought oat flour. It makes for the perfect, healthy, and gluten-free base for the shortbread crust.
Almond Flour: Super-fine blanched almond flour adds a rich, buttery texture. Do not use almond meal or coconut flour.
Vanilla Extract: For the BEST flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and flavor. It's not overpowering.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness.
Coconut Oil: To make these blueberry pie bars dairy-free, we use coconut oil instead of butter. Coconut oil helps bind the ingredients in the base and topping and adds a healthy fat.
Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens without refined sugars.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: You can use quick oats too, but the texture will be softer.
Pecans or Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor; omit if you are nut-free or have a nut allergy.

The blueberry filling:

Blueberries: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, tartness, and a burst of juicy flavor. You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this dessert..
Coconut Sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the filling. The best refined sugar-free sweetener.
Tapioca Starch or Cornstarch: Use either to thicken the blueberry filling to the right consistency so that it holds together when you cut them into bars.
Lemons: Use the zest and juice to add a bright, citrusy note that enhances the blueberry flavor.

Kitchen tools needed

Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you'll need to make these blueberry crumble bars:

Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
8x8-inch baking dish
Oven

all ingredients in recipe in small bowls with labels

How to make healthy blueberry pie crumble bars

These fancy blueberry crumble bars are so easy to make. They have a melt-in-your-mouth, gluten-free shortbread crust, juicy blueberry filings, and a crispy, butter oatmeal streusel on top. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level baker can make this recipe; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking tin with parchment paper. Tip: Leave longer ends so you can pull the bars out easily after cooling.

Step 2: Prepare the base

In a mixing bowl, combine oat flour, almond flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Press and pack down the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. Set aside.

oat flour and almond flour shortbread base pressed into a baking dish

Step 3: Prepare the topping

In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, chopped pecans or walnuts, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Pour maple syrup and melted coconut oil over the mixture and mix using your hands until it resembles a crumbly, sand-like texture. Set to the side.

Step 4: Prepare the filling

In another mixing bowl, toss the blueberries with coconut sugar, tapioca starch, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well coated. Pour the blueberry mixture over the prepared base and spread it evenly with a spoon.

blueberries coated in coconut sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice

adding coated blueberries on top of the raw shortbread base

Step 5: Combine

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the blueberries. Let some blueberries peak, though!

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Finally, allow the pan to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before cutting into bars—this ensures they don’t fall apart. Enjoy your healthy blueberry crumble bars!

adding the oatmeal crumble on top before baking

baked healthy blueberry pie crumble bars in an 8x8 inch dish

Video Tutorial

Expert recipe tips for the perfect blueberry crumble:

Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both work well, but if using frozen blueberries, don't thaw them.
Pack the Base Firmly: Press the shortbread crust firmly into the baking dish to ensure a solid base that holds together.
Don’t Skip the Starch: Using tapioca starch or cornstarch is essential to thicken the blueberry filling and prevent it from being too runny.
Let it Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes them easier to slice.
Customize the Topping: For extra texture and flavor, add a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the crumble topping.
Line the Baking Dish: Use parchment paper with overhangs to easily lift the bars out of the pan after cooling.

Easy ingredient substitutions:

Here are some easy ingredient substitutions for these blueberry crumble bars. I only recommend swapping one or two ingredients so the entire recipe doesn't change.

Oat Flour: Substitute with all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if not concerned about gluten.
Coconut Oil: Swap with an equal amount of melted butter or vegan butter.
Pure Maple Syrup: Use honey or agave syrup as a 1:1 replacement for maple syrup.
Coconut Sugar: Substitute with brown sugar.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Quick oats can be used as a substitute, but expect a slightly softer texture in the crumble topping.
Pecans or Walnuts: If you are allergic to nuts, omit them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Tapioca Starch or Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder can be used interchangeably with tapioca starch or cornstarch.
Lemons: Replace lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a different citrus flavor profile.
Blueberries: You can use a mix of different berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.

Topping ideas:

Here are some delicious topping ideas to elevate your blueberry crumble bars:

Vanilla Glaze
Coconut Whipped Cream
Regular Whipped Cream
Greek Yogurt
Toasted Coconut Flakes
Lemon Zest
Crushed Nuts
Fresh Berries
Cinnamon Sugar
Chocolate Drizzle
Ice Cream
Drizzle of Honey

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just be sure NOT to thaw them before adding them to the recipe to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I use different a berry instead of blueberries?

Yes, you can use a variety of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of them.

Can I omit the nuts from the topping?

Yes, you can omit the nuts from the topping if you have allergies or prefer not to use them. You can also substitute them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Can I freeze blueberry crumble bars?

Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. I like to heat them in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5 - 10 minutes before serving. You can also let them come to room temperature.

How to store blueberry pie bars:

Storing: For longer storage, place the bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: If you want to store the bars for an extended period, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

healthy blueberry crumble bar with buttery crisp on top

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Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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Comments

5 from 24 votes (6 ratings without comment)

Best ever blueberry pie crumble bars

Why you'll love this recipe:

Ingredients needed