Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)

Lemon blueberry oatmeal bars (aka my favorite dessert EVER) are here! I love all things lemon blueberry and these bars have the most amazing, fresh flavor. The oatmeal layer is perfectly soft and crumbly with a lovely lemon taste. The blueberry layer is so fresh and delicious with just enough sweetness added so it’s not overpowering. I made this recipe as a dessert but it has incredibly nourishing, whole food ingredients so, I could eat these for breakfast and still feel good. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or a healthy dessert, you’ll love these oatmeal bars!

Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Bars

These lemon blueberry oatmeal bars are not only delicious, but they’re also vegan, gluten free, dairy free, soy free and refined sugar free.

Want More Vegan & Gluten Free Recipes?

If you’re interested in more vegan & gluten-free recipes, feel free to check out my Paleo Orange Cranberry Cookies (Vegan + Gluten Free). As well as my Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan + Gluten Free) and The Best Granola Clusters (Vegan + Gluten Free).

Gluten Free Oatmeal Bars Ingredients:

Rolled oats: I used organic, old fashioned rolled oats in this recipe.

Blanched almond flour: I used almond flour for a healthier option in this recipe but you can replace this with an all-purpose gluten-free flour if you prefer.

Baking soda: This is used as the leavening agent in this recipe.

Maple syrup: This is an unrefined sweetener that has a delicious maple flavor. You can substitute honey or agave if you prefer.

Coconut oil: This is the oil we’re using to replace butter in this recipe. You want to add it when it’s still solid but soft enough to combine with the other ingredients. Refined liquid coconut oil will change the texture in this recipe but you can substitute butter or ghee if you like.

Lemon juice: I recommend using fresh lemon juice for a better flavor.

Lemon zest: Using lemon zest is what brings the amazing lemon flavor in these bars but you can leave it out if you like.

Frozen blueberries: You can substitute fresh blueberries if you prefer.

Coconut sugar: This is a granulated sweetener that is unrefined and pairs well with maple syrup. You can substitute cane sugar if you choose.

Tapioca starch or arrowroot starch: These two options are starches in order to thicken the blueberry layer. Tapioca starch creates a better texture but arrowroot powder still works if you want to use that (the mixture will become a little more gummy).

Sea salt: I love to add a little sea salt to bring out other flavors, but you can leave it out.

Vegan Oatmeal Bars Instructions:

To a mixing bowl, add rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, maple syrup, coconut oil and sea salt.
Mix thoroughly using the back of a fork or your hands to get out most of the clumps. After you’ve finished mixing, add lemon juice, lemon zest and stir them in while being careful to not overmix.
Set aside 1/2 – 3/4 cup of the mixture for crumbling on top (I used 1/2 cup). Then, transfer the rest to a baking dish lined with unbleached parchment paper. Press into a firm, even layer using your hands or the back of a spoon.
After adding blueberry layer, use your fingers to crumble remaining oatmeal mixture on top before baking.

oatmeal bars lemon blueberry instructions

Lemon Blueberry Layer Instructions:

To a sauce pan on low-medium heat add blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, coconut sugar, maple syrup and sea salt. Heat for 4-5 minutes or until blueberries begin to burst and release their juice.
Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to mash berries a little then, add in your starch.
Stir in starch and keep on heat until thickened, which will only take 1-2 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Spread this blueberry layer on top of the oatmeal base layer of your bars.