Gluten-Free Vegan Berry Oatmeal Bars for Breakfast

Have you ever craved something sweet, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying first thing in the morning?

I felt something was missing from my breakfast routine, something that could fuel me with energy, taste delicious, and make me feel good about my choices.

That’s when I decided to whip up these Gluten-Free Vegan Berry Oatmeal Bars, and let me tell you, they’ve been an absolute game changer!

These berry oatmeal bars are the perfect mix of hearty and sweet—they’re loaded with juicy berries, creamy oats, and just the right amount of natural sweetness.

Plus, they’re so easy to make! I love that I can prep a batch on a Sunday night and have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for the entire week. It’s like a comforting little reminder every morning that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated.

What makes these bars so amazing is how they combine all the things I value in a breakfast: they’re gluten-free, fully plant-based, and packed with nutrients.

The oats provide a satisfying base, the berries bring a burst of antioxidants, and I even sneak in some chia seeds for a bit of added protein and omega-3 goodness. Not to mention, the texture is just perfect—chewy, crumbly, and downright delicious.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Vegan Berry Oatmeal Bars

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats: These oats provide the hearty base for the bars, giving them that classic chewy texture and making them super satisfying.
• 1 cup almond flour: Adds a nutty flavor and a tender texture to the bars. Almond flour also helps keep them gluten-free while providing healthy fats.
• 1/4 cup chia seeds: These tiny seeds are packed with protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. They help bind the bars together while adding a slight crunch.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that complements the sweetness of the berries.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness and the nuttiness of the ingredients really pop.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a rich flavor without any refined sugars. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by using a bit more or less.
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted: Helps bind the bars and keeps them moist. Coconut oil also adds a subtle richness to the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the sweetness of the bars.

Berries:

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen): Use any berries you like—blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or even blackberries. Fresh berries work great, but frozen berries are also perfect for a burst of flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. The chia seeds will absorb some of the moisture later, helping to bind the bars.
3. Add the wet ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined and forms a sticky, crumbly texture. Make sure there are no dry spots left—this will ensure the bars hold together well after baking.
4. Layer the mixture: Take about 2/3 of the oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly. This layer should be compact and even, as it forms the base of your bars.
5. Add the berries: Spread the mixed berries evenly over the oat layer. If you’re using larger berries like strawberries, consider cutting them into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution. The berries will release their juices as they bake, creating a deliciously jammy layer.
6. Top with remaining mixture: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the berries. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover everything perfectly—the berries peeking through will give the bars a rustic, homemade look. Lightly press the topping down to help it adhere to the berries.
7. Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the berries are bubbling. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the center remains soft.
8. Cool completely: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial—cooling allows the bars to set properly, making them easier to cut. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
9. Cut into bars: Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the baking dish. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles. You should get about 9-12 bars, depending on your preferred size.
10. Serve and enjoy: These bars are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a healthy dessert. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just thaw before enjoying.

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s quick, nourishing, and tastes like a treat, these berry oatmeal bars might just be your new favorite.

They’re versatile too—you can switch up the berries, add a handful of nuts, or even sprinkle in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat. I’d love to know if you give them a try—what berries do you use, or do you add your own twist? Let’s make breakfast a little more exciting, one bar at a time!