Berry Oat Bars are a wholesome, delicious snack or breakfast option, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet without refined sugar. Made with fresh or frozen berries and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats from oats and coconut oil. They’re quick to make and versatile, making them great for meal prep, an on-the-go snack, or even a light dessert. These berry oat bars are simple to make, kid-friendly, and will easily become a staple in your home!
Ingredients:
Crust and Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Berry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Crumble:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
- Set aside about 1/2 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- Prepare the Berry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the berries with honey, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Spoon the berry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Add Crumble Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the berries to create a crumble topping.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the berry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Press Firmly for a Sturdy Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when you slice the bars.
- Use Any Berries: Fresh or frozen berries work equally well in this recipe, making it adaptable to different seasons.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your berries are tart, add a little extra honey or maple syrup to the filling for a sweeter flavor.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to let the filling set. This makes for easier slicing and cleaner edges.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer shelf life.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Fiber: Oats and berries are both high in fiber, promoting good digestion and keeping you full longer.
- Antioxidant-Rich Berries: Berries are loaded with antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin health.
- No Refined Sugar: Sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars are free of refined sugar, making them a lower-glycemic option.
- Healthy Fats from Coconut Oil and Almond Flour: Both ingredients provide healthy fats, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and provide a sustained energy source.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Naturally Sweet and Satisfying: With no refined sugar, these bars are just sweet enough, letting the natural flavors of the berries shine through.
- Great for Breakfast or Snacks: These bars work well as a quick breakfast, a snack, or even a healthy dessert, fitting seamlessly into any time of day.
- Easy and Customizable: You can switch up the berries, use a different natural sweetener, or even add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: These bars are a hit with kids, thanks to their fruity flavor and crumbly, cookie-like texture.
- Portable and Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch in advance, and you’ll have a ready-to-go snack or breakfast option for busy mornings.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Made with oats and almond flour, these bars are gluten-free, provided the oats are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe uses coconut oil in place of butter, making it completely dairy-free.
- Refined Sugar-Free: Honey or maple syrup replaces refined sugar, keeping the bars lower on the glycemic index and better for stable blood sugar levels.
- Vegan Option: Simply substitute honey with maple syrup to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Why This Recipe Works:
These berry oat bars bring together a few simple ingredients that balance texture, flavor, and nutrition. The oats and almond flour create a sturdy crust and crumble that’s wholesome and mildly nutty, while the coconut oil adds a rich texture and subtle sweetness. The berries, lightly sweetened and thickened, add a burst of color and natural tartness that balances out the sweet crust. Because the recipe avoids refined sugar, it allows the natural flavors to shine and offers a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional baked goods. This combination of flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients makes for a bar that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
- Add-Ins: For added texture, mix in chopped nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut into the crumble topping.
- Serve with Yogurt: Pair a bar with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein and a touch of creaminess.
- Warm with Ice Cream: For a dessert option, warm a bar and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Try Different Fruits: Swap out the berries for other fruits like peaches, cherries, or a mix of apples and berries to create a seasonal variation.
Tips for Storage and Freezing:
- Refrigeration: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Freezing: Place bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
FAQs:
- Can I make this recipe with quick oats? Yes, but old-fashioned oats offer a heartier texture and hold up better.
- What can I use instead of almond flour? Substitute with an equal amount of oat flour for a nut-free option.
- Are these bars suitable for young children? Yes, with no refined sugars, they’re a great choice for kids. Just ensure any added ingredients (like honey) are age-appropriate.
Prep and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Conclusion:
These Berry Oat Bars are an easy, healthy recipe that delivers delicious flavor without refined sugar. With a crumbly oat crust, a naturally sweet berry filling, and a hint of honey, they’re a satisfying treat that’s as good for breakfast as it is for dessert. Perfect for a grab-and-go snack, a light dessert, or a wholesome addition to any meal, these bars are a tasty way to enjoy the flavors of fresh berries with a touch of natural sweetness. Try them out for a snack that’s nutritious, filling, and bursting with berry goodness!
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Healthy Berry Oat Bars: A Quick and Nutritious No-Refined-Sugar Recipe
- Total Time: 40mins
Description
Berry Oat Bars are a wholesome, delicious snack or breakfast option, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy something sweet without refined sugar. Made with fresh or frozen berries and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats from oats and coconut oil. They’re quick to make and versatile, making them great for meal prep, an on-the-go snack, or even a light dessert. These berry oat bars are simple to make, kid-friendly, and will easily become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Berry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Crumble:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture resembles a crumbly texture that holds together when pressed.
- Set aside about 1/2 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
- Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- Prepare the Berry Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix the berries with honey, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Spoon the berry mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
- Add Crumble Topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the berries to create a crumble topping.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the berry filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the bars cool in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 30mins