March is National Nutrition Month, and while the nutritional pillars of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats and dairy take center stage, most would argue a positive relationship with food is also a critical pillar of nutrition.
A large part of building a positive relationship with food is removing guilt from any eating occasion. Many people feel guilt around enjoying a sweet treat or even a savory delight. However, when guilt is removed, foods like desserts can be enjoyed for exactly what they are—a sweet treat!
Helping our seniors enjoy a sweet treat like these blueberry oat bars as part of a healthy, well-rounded diet is one way we can help them enjoy life.
Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- Crumble:
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup oats
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ¼ cup chopped almonds
- Blueberry topping:
- 1 11-ounce container blueberries, rinsed
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine crumble ingredients in a large bowl and mix until combined.
- Reserve 1 cup of crumble and put to the side.
- In a greased 8×8 baking dish, layer remaining crumble and pack down.
- In a bowl, toss blueberry topping ingredients and then evenly spread over oat crumble in baking dish.
- Pour remaining 1 cup of crumble on top of blueberries.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
Per serving *: 145 calories; fat 7g; saturated fat 4g; cholesterol 15mg; sodium 40mg; carbohydrate 19g; fiber 2g; total sugars 9g; added sugars 8g; calcium 1%DV; iron 5%DV; potassium 2%DV; vitamin D 18%DV
*Please note: Nutrition variation may happen due to ingredient sourcing and measurement variations.
Warm it up!
Want to take this dessert to the next level? A little heat and extra sweetness will do the trick!
- Heat the blueberry oat bar in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice on top.
- Enjoy!