Mixed Berry Peanut Butter Oat Crumble Bars
These wholesome oat bars have a soft, chewy oat crust, a naturally sweet mixed berry filling, and a crunchy golden oat crumble topping. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
For the Oat Crumble
- 3 cups (270 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (120 g) oat flour (or blend rolled oats into a fine flour)
- ½ cup (120 g) natural peanut butter
- â…“ cup (80 ml) maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup (60 ml) melted coconut oil or unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Berry Filling
- 3 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Combine berries, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla, and cornstarch.
- Toss gently until evenly coated.
- Set aside for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Oat Mixture
- In a large bowl combine:
- Rolled oats
- Oat flour
- Cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Add:
- Peanut butter
- Maple syrup
- Melted coconut oil
- Vanilla
- Mix until crumbly but moist.
Step 4: Build the Bars
- Press about two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Spread the berry filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top without pressing too hard.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until:
- The topping is golden brown.
- The berry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool
- Cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes for cleaner slices.
- Cut into 12 bars.
Tips
- Frozen berries work perfectly—no need to thaw.
- For extra crunch, add ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts to the topping.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt before baking adds great flavor.
- For sweeter bars, increase maple syrup to ½ cup.
Storage
- Room Temperature: 2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months. Wrap each bar individually before freezing.
Variations
- Almond Butter: Replace peanut butter with almond butter.
- Chocolate: Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips.
- Protein Version: Mix 1 scoop vanilla protein powder into the oat mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Nutrition (Per Bar)
- Calories: 235
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 9 g
These bars are hearty, naturally sweetened, and packed with whole grains, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich berries, making them an excellent make-ahead breakfast or satisfying snack.