Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Healthy Berry Streusel Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 2 reviews

Delicious and healthy berry streusel bars featuring a sweet mixed berry filling and a crunchy almond oat streusel topping. These bars are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, making them a perfect guilt-free snack or dessert. They are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection for a satisfying treat.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes (includes cooling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Berry Filling

  • 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (12g) cornstarch
  • 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons (23ml) water
  • 2 cups (about 300g) fresh or frozen mixed berries (do not thaw)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon (11g) coconut sugar, brown sugar, or granulated sugar

Crust/Streusel

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (213g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats or quick oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup (255g) almond butter
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup (56g) coconut oil, melted (or use melted butter)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup (64g) sliced or chopped almonds
  • 1 extra Tablespoon oats

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Berry Filling: Whisk together the cornstarch and water until dissolved. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cornstarch mixture, berries, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. Stir constantly with a rubber spatula, smashing some berries against the pot to break them up. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Remove from heat and let cool completely, refrigerating if desired to speed cooling. The filling should be cool or room temperature before assembly.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides to lift bars out easily after baking. Set aside.
  3. Make the Crust/Streusel: Pulse the oats in a food processor or blender until slightly broken up (about 10 pulses for whole oats, 5-6 for quick oats). Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in cinnamon, salt, almond butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and melted coconut oil. The mixture will be thick and wet.
  4. Form the Crust: Using the back of a spoon or spatula, press approximately three-quarters of the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, compacting it well to hold the bars together.
  5. Add Berry Filling: Spread the cooled berry mixture evenly over the pressed crust layer in the pan.
  6. Prepare the Topping: Mix the sliced almonds into the remaining crust mixture. Sprinkle this almond-oat mixture evenly over the berry filling. Then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of oats on top to help absorb moisture.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 27 to 31 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and set.
  8. Cool and Slice: Remove from oven and cool on a rack completely, about 1 hour at room temperature, then optionally refrigerate to speed cooling. Use the parchment overhang to lift bars from pan and cut into 12 squares.
  9. Store Leftovers: Cover and refrigerate leftover bars for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use frozen berries without thawing for best texture and ease in simmering.
  • Berry filling can be made in advance and refrigerated.
  • Press crust firmly to ensure bars hold their shape well during baking and cutting.
  • Maple syrup and coconut sugar provide natural sweetness without refined sugars.
  • For a nuttier flavor, use toasted almonds for the topping.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/healthy-berry-streusel-bars-recipe/