Soft Blueberry Oat Bars with Applesauce and Honey

Soft, chewy homemade blueberry oat bars sweetened with applesauce and a little honey. No eggs, no dairy, no nuts, and no blender needed.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 28

Cooling 45

Total Time 1 23

Servings: 12 bars (9 to 12)

2 cups rolled oats old-fashioned or quick; certified gluten-free if needed
1-1 1/4 cups unsweetened applesauce start with 1 cup and add more if the mixture looks dry
3-4 tablespoons honey adjust to taste
2-3 tablespoons oil melted coconut, vegetable/canola, or olive; or use 2-3 extra tablespoons applesauce for oil-free
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch salt
3/4-1 cup blueberries fresh, frozen, or dried
1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon optional

Optional drizzle

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper (or grease it well).
In a large bowl, mix the applesauce, honey, oil (or extra applesauce), and vanilla until smooth.
Stir in the oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the oats are fully coated and the mixture is sticky and holds together when pressed. Too dry? Add a spoonful more applesauce or a tiny splash of water. Too wet? Stir in a small handful of extra oats.
Gently fold in the blueberries.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake 22 to 28 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center feels set but still soft. Don't overbake; the bars firm up as they cool.
Cool completely in the pan, at least 30 to 45 minutes (the fridge speeds this up and gives cleaner cuts). Lift out, cut into bars, and add the optional drizzle: mix a little powdered sugar with a splash of water or dairy-free milk and a drop of vanilla until thin enough to drizzle.

Taste the mixture before baking and add a bit more honey if you want them sweeter. Honey should not be given to babies under 1 year old.