Blueberry Chia Jam Bars

Shopping list

• 300 g blueberries — fresh or frozen

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• 50 g caster sugar — for jam

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• 2 tbsp chia seeds

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• 200 g rolled oats

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• 100 g plain flour

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• 100 g soft light brown sugar

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• 125 g unsalted butter — melted

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• 0.5 tsp bicarbonate of soda

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• 0.25 tsp salt

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Step by step

1. 1

   Place the blueberries and 50 g caster sugar in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5– 6 minutes until the berries burst and the mixture thickens.

2. 2

   Remove from the heat, stir in the chia seeds, and leave to cool and thicken for at least 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line a 20 cm square baking tin with baking parchment.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, bicarbonate of soda and salt.

5. 5

   Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.

6. 6

   Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the base of the prepared tin.

7. 7

   Spread the cooled blueberry chia jam evenly over the oat base.

8. 8

   Scatter the remaining oat mixture over the jam layer, pressing down lightly.

9. 9

   Bake for 25– 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.

10. 10

    Allow to cool completely in the tin before slicing into bars.