It’s berry season and you know I’ve been running my cart all over Whole Foods picking up delicious pints of every single berry you can think of. This time of year I’m down to put berries in literally anything. They’re perfect for smoothies, fresh salads, topping yogurt bowls, and of course, making incredible desserts like these blueberry pie bars.

I first made these gluten free blueberry pie bars back in 2019 after the organic blueberries went on sale at the grocery store. Of course, I picked up pints on pints of these delicious berries, and my brain was buzzing about what I should make. Blueberry pie? Too complicated. Blueberry salad? Sound delicious. Blueberry crumble? Maybeeee.

Finally, the winning idea hit: healthier blueberry bars with an oatmeal crumble! Sounds dreamy, right? Just you wait.

These amazing blueberry bars aren’t overly sweet or filling, which makes them perfect for a quick grab and go add to your breakfast or even a snack. The oatmeal crumble is crunchy and full of delicious toasted oatmeal flavor.

Personally, I think they taste like a Nutri-grain bar, which I loved to eat for breakfast growing up.

Ingredients in these easy blueberry pie bars

These healthy blueberry bars use super simple ingredients, come together in just 15 minutes or so, and only take about 30 minutes to bake. To make this recipe, you’ll need:

• Oat flour: to easily keep the bars gluten free. Learn how to make your own oat flour right at home here!
• Rolled oats: you’ll need old fashioned rolled oats for that amazing crumble topping. As always, use gluten free rolled oats to keep the bars gluten free, and do not use steel cut oats.
• Sweetener: we’re using brown sugar to help these bars stay true to flavor and texture. You’ll also need some pure maple syrup to naturally sweeten the filling.
• Cinnamon: for that true pie flavor in the crust and crumble.
• Baking staples: remember to use baking soda, salt & vanilla extract. You’ll also want to add a little almond extract for incredible flavor in the crust, crumble & filling.
• Butter: this helps the crumble clump together and turn a delicious golden color. Use a vegan buttery stick to keep the bars vegan and dairy free!
• Blueberries: the star of the show in these blueberry pie bars! Feel free to use fresh or frozen in this recipe.
• Cornstarch: you’ll need a little cornstarch or arrowroot starch to perfectly thicken the blueberry filling.

Simple ingredient swaps

As always I recommend sticking with the recipe as closely as possible to get the best results. There are a few easy swaps you can make in the blueberry pie bars that will stay make them amazing:

• Swap the flour: if you don’t have oat flour you can easily sub all purpose flour. Reminder: see note below for making your own oat flour at home!
• Choose your sugar: instead of brown sugar you can also use coconut sugar. Please note that you may not get the best “crumble” in the topping with coconut sugar, and you can also learn how to make your own brown sugar here.
• For the blueberries: as a reminder, you can use fresh or frozen blueberries in this recipe.

How to make your own oat flour

You can easily make your own gluten free oat flour by simply placing gluten free oats into a blender and blending/pulsing until they’re smooth and resemble a fine flour. This is probably the cheapest option. Check out my tutorial with all of my best tips & tricks. Always measure the oat flour after you blend to ensure that you’re using the proper amount called for in the recipe.

The best blueberry pie bars in 3 simple step

1. Make the crust & crumble. First, you’ll mix the oats, oat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda & salt in a bowl. Then stir in melted vegan butter or regular butter, vanilla extract and almond extract. Press a little more than half of the mixture into an 8×8 inch pan lined with parchment paper, then set the rest of the crumble in the fridge for later.
2. Make the filling. make your blueberry pie filling, which is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and blueberries. Place a medium pot over medium heat. Add in blueberries, maple syrup, almond extract, cornstarch (or arrowroot) and salt. Use a wooden spoon to press down and break down the blueberries just a bit. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the filling thickens. Pour over the crust.
3. Assemble & bake. Sprinkle the remaining crumble all over the top of the blueberries and then bake for 30-40 minutes until filling is bubbly and the oatmeal crumble is slightly golden brown. YUM. Cool completely and then cut into bars.

Can I use a different fruit?

Sure! Because this blueberry pie bar recipe is so versatile, you can easily mix it up with other berries. Be sure to try these amazing pie & crumble bars as well:

Jazz up your blueberry pie bars

These gluten free blueberry are, of course, delicious on their own, but I have 2 fun ways for you to jazz up the flavor a bit:

• Add lemon: mix in zest from 1 lemon for an extra bright, fresh flavor in the filling.
• Drizzle a glaze: melt a little white chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for an even more decadent treat. You could also do this with a lovely lemon glaze from this cookie recipe! YUM.

Storing tips

1. In the fridge: I recommend storing these bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
2. In the freezer: yes, these blueberry pie bars are freezer-friendly! Once they’re completely cooled, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just let it thaw a bit in the fridge before eating.

More blueberry recipes you’ll love

Get all of my fresh berry recipes here!

If you make these blueberry bars, please let me know by leaving a comment and rating the recipe below. I’d love to hear from you and it helps encourage others to make the recipe too! xo.

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by Eat Love Eats

This post was originally published on May 22, 2019, republished on March 10th, 2020, and republished on May 12th, 2022.