Description
Homemade berry oatmeal bars combine wholesome ingredients for a delightful morning treat. Packed with nutrients and simple to prepare, these bars offer a quick, satisfying start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml/16 fl oz) frozen berries (any mixture of small berries)
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) maple syrup
- 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) coconut sugar
- 1 ¾ cups (420 ml/14 fl oz) rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 ¼ cups (300 ml/10 fl oz) almond flour (blanched)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- 1 ½ tbsps (22.5 ml/0.75 fl oz) tapioca starch (tapioca flour)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) lemon juice
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1/8 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, creating an ideal baking environment.
- Berry Compote: In a saucepan, combine frozen berries, lemon juice, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and sea salt. Simmer over low-medium heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing berries to release their vibrant juices and develop a rich, intense flavor.
- Thickening Process: Whisk tapioca starch with a portion of berry liquid, then reincorporate into the saucepan. Stir continuously for one minute until the mixture achieves a luxurious, glossy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Oatmeal Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Incorporate maple syrup, vanilla extract, and solid coconut oil, using a fork and hands to create a cohesive, crumbly texture that binds effortlessly.
- Crust Formation: Press approximately two-thirds of the oatmeal mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish, establishing an even, sturdy foundation for the bars.
- Berry Layer Application: Spread the prepared berry compote uniformly across the oatmeal base, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Topping Arrangement: Delicately sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the berry layer, forming rustic, textured clusters that promise a delightful crunch.
- Baking Process: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a gentle golden transformation around the edges that signals perfect doneness.
- Cooling and Storage: Allow bars to cool completely within the baking dish, then slice and refrigerate lightly covered, creating convenient, nutritious breakfast options for the week ahead.
Notes
- Optimize Oven Temperature: Precise 375°F ensures perfect golden-brown edges and even baking without burning delicate oat clusters.
- Master Berry Compote Technique: Gentle simmering releases natural berry juices, creating a rich, concentrated filling that prevents soggy bars.
- Tapioca Starch Secret: Whisking with berry liquid prevents clumping and guarantees a smooth, thick filling that sets beautifully when cooled.
- Cooling Crucial Step: Complete cooling in the baking dish stabilizes bars, making clean cutting easier and preserving structural integrity for meal prep storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg