Heavenly Berry Crumble Bars: A Delectable Treat with a Wholesome Twist

Dive into the delightful layers of these Heavenly Berry Crumble Bars, where each bite offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The crumbly, coconut-infused base complements a luscious layer of homemade berry jam, thickened naturally with chia seeds for an extra boost of fiber and nutrients. Topped with a crunchy oat mixture, these bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, featuring wholemeal flour, coconut sugar, and light butter.

Why You’ll Love This:

These Berry Crumble Bars stand out with their rich, fruity flavor and contrasting textures. The use of wholemeal flour and coconut sugar in the base adds a subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the natural flavors of the berries. The berry jam layer, with its vibrant color and tangy sweetness, is perfectly balanced by the earthy chia seeds, which also help to thicken the mixture beautifully. The oat and coconut oil topping adds a delightful crunch, making these bars satisfyingly filling and perfect for snacking.

Perfect Occasion:

Berry Crumble Bars are ideal for a variety of occasions. Serve them as a special treat at brunch, enjoy them as an afternoon snack with tea, or pack them for a picnic in the park. They’re also great for children’s lunchboxes or as a sweet addition to a potluck. These bars are sure to be a hit during the berry season when fresh berries are abundant, but they can easily be enjoyed year-round using frozen berries.

Decoration Tips:

For an eye-catching presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar lightly over the cooled bars, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Adding a few fresh berries on top before the final bake adds a burst of color and freshness that makes these bars even more appealing.

Ingredients:

• Base:
  • 1 1/4 cups wholemeal flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1/2 cup light butter, melted
• Berry Jam Layer:
  • 2 cups mixed berries (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • Extra berries for topping
• Crumble Topping:
  • 1/4 cup oats
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Method:

1. Prepare the Berry Jam: In a pan, simmer the berries with a teaspoon of water until they can be partially mashed. Transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth. Mix in the honey and chia seeds until well combined. Set aside to cool and thicken.
2. Make the Base: Combine wholemeal flour, coconut sugar, desiccated coconut, and melted light butter. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into a lined baking tin. Bake at 160°C (fan-forced) for 10 minutes until light golden. Allow to cool.
3. Assemble the Bars: Pour the thickened berry jam over the cooled base. Optionally, top with extra berries.
4. Prepare the Topping: Mix the reserved base mixture with oats and coconut oil. Sprinkle this along with some extra berries over the jam layer.
5. Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until golden. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy these Berry Crumble Bars, a scrumptious treat that perfectly combines wholesome ingredients with irresistible flavors, making it the perfect snack for any occasion!