My summer has been great so far. I felt I had accomplished a lot and at the same time had spent quality time with my family. Although my three kids are all grown up, they were able to take time off from their jobs so we could spend some time together. In addition, with the support and motivation from my husband, I was able to start running again. Hopefully, I could continue with this endeavor as my work starts again next week. I was also able to relax and enjoyed lazy days, which for me only summer time can bring. Summer time also brings colorful flowers, fruits, berries and herbs in my garden. Blueberries have been plenty this year; some of which I used for smoothies, iced tea and baking. One of the baked goods I made was blueberry oatmeal squares, which is very easy to make. These delicious squares are good for breakfast to go, as well as mid-afternoon snacks. 😀
Cooking Tips for Blueberry Oatmeal Squares
When making blueberry oatmeal squares, the key is to ensure your ingredients are fresh and measured accurately. Start with rolled oats instead of instant oats for the best texture. Rolled oats hold their shape better during baking, giving you that perfect chewy consistency. If you prefer a softer square, consider soaking the oats in milk or yogurt for about 30 minutes before mixing them into your batter. This helps them absorb moisture and creates a nice, tender bite. If you’re using fresh blueberries, rinse them gently and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in your batter. For an extra flavor kick, toss the blueberries in a bit of flour before adding them to the mixture. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking. Finally, keep an eye on baking time. Ovens can vary, so start checking a few minutes before the suggested time. The squares should be golden brown on the top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Blueberry oatmeal squares are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a classic breakfast, serve them warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt and some fresh fruit for a balanced meal. If you want to elevate your snack game, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds. They not only add texture but also increase the nutritional value. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out blueberries for other fruits like raspberries or diced apples. Each variation brings a unique twist to the squares. You can even make them a bit more indulgent by adding chocolate chips or shredded coconut. No matter how you choose to serve or adapt them, these squares are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones?
Frozen blueberries work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the mix to avoid extra moisture.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or oat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
How should I store the blueberry oatmeal squares?
Once they are completely cool, store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, they can be kept in the fridge for about a week or frozen for up to three months.
Can I make these squares ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance, just store them properly. They also freeze really well, so you can prepare a batch and enjoy them later.
What are some good toppings or mix-ins?
For some extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey on top makes for a tasty serving suggestion too.
Blueberry Oatmeal Squares
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups rolled oats or quick oats (not instant)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter cubed
Blueberry Filling
- 3 cups fresh blueberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 4 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar and orange juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons water and then whisk into blueberries, stirring until thickened, about 1 minute. Set aside to cool for at least 1 hour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, sugar, orange rind and salt; with a pastry blender or a fork, cut in butter until coarse crumbs. Press half (about 2 ½ cups) into an 8-inch square parchment paper-lined metal cake pan. Spread blueberry filling and then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture, pressing lightly.
- Bake in the center of 350°F oven until light golden, about 45 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
they sound yummy!