Heavenly Berry Crumble Bars: A Delicious Treat With a Healthy Twist

Dig into the delicious 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. replaces the word nice with emptypped with a crunchy oat mixture, these bars are not only a treat for your taste buds, but also a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, made with wholemeal flour, coconut sugar and light butter.

Why you'll love it:

These Berry Crumble Bars stand out for their rich, fruity flavor and contrasting textures. Using wholemeal flour and coconut sugar in the base adds 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 delicious crunch, making these bars filling and perfect for snacking.

Perfect occasion:

Berry crumble bars are great 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 perfect for kids' lunch boxes or as a sweet addition to a potluck. These bars are sure to be a hit during berry season when fresh berries are plentiful, but they can easily be enjoyed year-round using frozen berries.

Decorating Tips:

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

Ingredients:

• Base:
  • 1 1/4 cup 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 tablespoon of honey
  • 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
  • Extra berries for garnish
• Crumble topping:
  • 1/4 cup oatmeal
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Method:

1. Prepare the berry jam: In a saucepan, simmer the berries with a teaspoon of water until they can be partially mashed. Transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in honey and chia seeds until well combined. Leave to cool and thicken.
2. Make the base: Mix the wholemeal flour, coconut sugar, desiccated coconut and melted light butter. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this mixture for garnish. Press the remainder firmly into a lined baking pan. Bake at 160°C (fan) for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
3. Assemble the bars: Pour the thickened berry jam onto the cooled base. Optionally, garnish with additional berries.
4. Prepare the filling: Mix the reserved base mixture with the oatmeal and coconut oil. Sprinkle it with a few extra berries over the jam layer.
5. Cook: Return to the oven and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Enjoy these Berry Crumble Bars, a delicious treat that perfectly combines healthy ingredients with irresistible flavors, making them the perfect snack for any occasion!