Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bars

Name: Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas); 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Extra shredded coconut; A handful of almond slices

Highlighted under: Balanced Healthy Meals Favorites

I absolutely love starting my day with these Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bars. They are not only a delightful combination of flavors but also packed with nutrients to fuel my mornings. The sweetness of ripe blueberries paired with the tropical taste of coconut creates a harmonious blend that I can't resist. Plus, these bars are incredibly easy to make, and I can prepare a batch in advance for a quick grab-and-go option. Trust me, once you try them, you'll want to make them a regular part of your breakfast routine.

Created by

Beatrice Holloway

Last updated on 2026-02-08T04:53:35.732Z

When I first tried making these Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bars, I wanted something healthy yet satisfying. The combination of oats, blueberries, and coconut not only appealed to my taste buds but also packed a punch of energy to kickstart my day. What’s great about this recipe is that you can customize it easily by adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch!

During the baking process, I realized that lightly pressing the mixture into the pan before baking ensures a firmer bar that holds together beautifully. After letting them cool, I couldn’t resist taking a bite, and the balance of textures was simply incredible.

Why You Will Love These Bars
Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor and a hint of coconut
Chewy texture that perfectly complements the crispy edges
Great for meal prep and a convenient breakfast on-the-go

Perfecting the Texture

Getting the perfect texture in these Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bars is crucial. The combination of rolled oats and mashed bananas not only serves as a binder but also contributes to the chewy texture that complements the crispy edges beautifully. Ensure that you mash the bananas well; they should be smooth to allow for even mixing into the oats. If you prefer a firmer bar, consider reducing the mashed bananas slightly or increasing the oats by 1/4 cup.

When baking, keep an eye on the edges. You want them to turn a lovely golden brown, as this provides a hint of crunch while the center remains chewy. If you find that the edges are browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) to ensure even baking throughout.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

You can easily customize these bars based on what you have at home. For a nut-free option, substitute almond butter with sun butter or tahini. Maple syrup works well if you're looking for a vegan substitute for honey. And if you're not a fan of coconut, feel free to leave it out altogether – just replace it with an additional 1/2 cup of oats for a more consistent texture throughout.

For variations, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You can also mix in a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also complement the blueberries and provide a delightful surprise in each bite.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

These bars are fantastic for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer, making them an excellent option for batch cooking on the weekends.

When ready to eat, simply grab a bar and enjoy it as is or warmed up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This warming enhances the flavors and brings out the aroma of the coconut and blueberries, making them feel freshly baked each time you indulge.

Ingredients

For the Bars

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For Topping (optional)

Extra shredded coconut
A handful of almond slices

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, honey, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, shredded coconut, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. Gently fold in the blueberries.

Transfer to Baking Pan

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and evenly spread it out. Pressing down firmly helps them to hold together better.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Lift out with the parchment paper and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into bars.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the blueberries with any other berries or fruits that you have on hand for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Blueberry Coconut Breakfast Bars can be enjoyed on their own as a quick breakfast or snack, but they also pair wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt or a spread of nut butter. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle with a little melted dark chocolate or serve with a side of fresh fruit salad. They also make an excellent addition to a brunch spread along with smoothies or oatmeal.

If you're serving them to guests, consider cutting them into smaller squares or triangles for easy sharing. You can also top them with a sprinkle of additional coconut or sliced almonds for visual appeal.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bars crumble when you cut them, it could be due to not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the baking pan. When you transfer the mixture, make sure to press it down evenly and firmly to ensure they hold together after baking. If they seem too dry, you might have added too much oats or baked them too long; monitor closely after 20 minutes.

A common issue can be under-baking, which results in a wet center. If your bars are not set after 25 minutes, give them an extra 5 minutes in the oven. Each oven is different, and sometimes they require a little more time to reach that perfect balance of firmness and chewiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These breakfast bars can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them individually.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a vegan option.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Using certified gluten-free oats makes these bars gluten-free, so be sure to check the label!