Overnight Blueberry & Oats Breakfast Bars

by Marie Hemphill @mariehealthyhill

Looking for a nutrient-packed breakfast that is both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than our Baked Wild Blueberry Overnight Oats Breakfast Bars! These bars are perfect for busy mornings, providing a convenient and healthy meal to fuel your day. They provide a good balance of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them a satisfying and energizing meal to start your day. The combination of wild blueberries, chia seeds, and hemp hearts delivers a powerful dose of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals, promoting heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormone balance.

Why Choose Wild Blueberries?
Wild blueberries are a nutritional powerhouse compared to their cultivated counterparts. Not only do they pack more flavor, but they also offer a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These tiny berries are rich in anthocyanins, which give them their deep blue color and provide powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants in wild blueberries help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and support overall brain and heart health.

Unlike regular blueberries, wild blueberries are smaller and contain less water, which means they have a more intense flavor and a denser nutrient profile. Incorporating wild blueberries into your diet can help boost your immune system, improve digestion, and promote healthy skin. Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a perfect addition to our baked oat bars.

The Benefits of Soaking Oats Overnight
Soaking oats overnight is more than just a time-saving technique; it also offers several health benefits. This simple process helps break down the starches in oats, making them easier to digest and allowing your body to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Soaked oats also contain less phytic acid, which can bind to minerals and inhibit their absorption in the digestive tract. By reducing phytic acid, soaked oats provide better bioavailability of essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

With the added benefits of soaking oats overnight, these bars are not only easier to digest but also more nutrient-dense. They are perfect for those who need a quick, nutritious breakfast that can be made ahead of time and enjoyed on the go.

Recipe: Baked Wild Blueberry Overnight Oats Breakfast Bars

Ingredients:
1 cup organic rolled oats (gluten free)
1 cup organic wild blueberries (frozen)
2 tablespoons organic chia seeds
2 tablespoons organic hemp hearts
1 ½ cups organic unsweetened coconut milk (canned or carton, no guar gum)
2-3 tablespoons organic maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
2 organic eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon baking powder

Garnishes (optional): yogurt of choice, heavy helping of cottage cheese, fresh coconut whip cream, drizzle of syrup or dollop of nut butter of choice

Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, and baking powder. Mix well.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine and Add Blueberries: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until thoroughly mixed. Gently fold in the wild blueberries.
4. Soak Overnight: Cover the mixture and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
5. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
6. Bake: Stir the mixture, then pour it into the prepared baking dish. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until the edges and top are golden, the center is set. To test. use toothpick in center to see if comes out dry.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to fully cool and set in fridge for about 10min or longer. Then flip transfer to cutting board or cut carefully in the pan. Can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.