Introduction to Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars
Welcome to the world of healthy snacking made easy with Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars. As a busy mom, on more than one occasion, I am in desperate need of a fast and healthy morsel to appease not only my hunger but that of my family. It’s as simple to make these bars as it is to wave off the sogginess in those dehydrated fruits. I always find myself juggling so much during the day. Sometimes they’re served more to grab and go while other times they need to lighten up the afternoon. Your family will be so appreciative of this yummy, healthful gift! End of the Post
Why You’ll Love This Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars
These Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars score high on convenience and flavor. Made in under an hour, they’re a lifesaver for hectic afternoons. Plus, they’re not just delicious; they’re packed with wholesome ingredients that keep you energized. The taste? A sweet, fruity explosion that feels indulgent yet guilt-free. You’ll adore how they satisfy those snack cravings while being a healthy option for you and your family!
Ingredients for Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars
To create these scrumptious Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars, you’ll need a handful of wholesome ingredients that blend beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds richness and depth without refined sugar. It gives your bars a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness of the berries.
- Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness pop. It’s essential in baking, so don’t skip it!
- Coconut Sugar: This delightful sugar adds a caramel-like flavor. It’s lower on the glycemic index, which is a plus for a healthy snack.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the berry mixture and adds zing. Plus, who doesn’t love a hint of citrus in their snack?
- Frozen Berry Medley: Wherever your taste buds lead—strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries—all work well here. Frozen berries are a fantastic choice as they’re frozen at their peak freshness!
- Tapioca Starch: This magical ingredient helps thicken your berry mixture, giving it that lovely, gooey texture.
- Coconut Oil: Healthy fats come from this creamy oil, which holds everything together while adding a hint of coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: It’s an essential flavor booster that adds warmth and depth to your bars.
- Almond Flour: A great gluten-free alternative that makes your bars tender and flavorful. For a twist, you can swap this with other nut flours.
- Rolled Oats: The heart of these bars! They provide wholesome goodness and the perfect chewiness. Pot for gluten-free oats if needed.
- Baking Soda: Just a smidge helps your bars rise, ensuring they’re light and fluffy.
Don’t forget, you can find the exact measurements for each ingredient at the bottom of this article, perfect for printing out the recipe!
How to Make Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
To kick things off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a square 9×9 baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over. This makes removing the bars easier later on. Trust me, these little details make a world of difference when tackling busy weeknights!
Prepare the Berry Mixture
In a small pot, toss your frozen berry medley. Add in coconut sugar, maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Turn on the heat to low-medium and gently warm all the ingredients for about 5-10 minutes. This process softens the berries, allowing their natural juices to flow. Keep stirring until everything’s nicely incorporated; you want the mixture to be thick yet smooth. That lovely gooeyness is what makes these bars a real treat!
Make the Oat Crust
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, sea salt, and baking soda. Once they’re mixed well, add in the maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Using a fork, start breaking everything up before using your hands to mix. It’s okay if the mixture seems crumbly; that’s the texture we’re after! Just make sure everything sticks together nicely. This crust forms the solid base for those beautiful berries on top!
Assemble the Snack Bars
Now comes the fun part! Reserve about ½ to ¾ cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remainder evenly into your prepared pan, forming a sturdy base. Pour the warm berry mixture over the pressed crust, spreading it evenly. Finally, take that reserved oat mix and crumble it on top of the berries, pressing lightly for chunkier pieces. This layering creates a lovely balance of textures and flavors. Remember, presentation counts!
Bake and Cool
Pop your assembled snack bars into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye out for those golden edges! Once baked, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is vital for the bars to stick together nicely—no one wants crumbling bites!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh or frozen berries; both will work beautifully in this recipe!
- Press the oat topping lightly if you prefer a chunkier texture on top.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for perfect squares.
- Store leftovers in the fridge, wrapped loosely for about a week.
- Experiment with different fruits like apples or peaches for a fun twist!
Equipment Needed
- 9×9-inch baking pan – A silicone or glass pan works well, too!
- Parchment paper – You can also use aluminum foil if you don’t have parchment.
- Medium pot – Any saucepan will do for warming the berry mixture.
- Large mixing bowl – A big enough bowl to mix all the ingredients comfortably.
- Fork and your hands – For mixing the crust; don’t underestimate the power of a good hand mix!
Variations
- For a tropical twist, substitute the frozen berries with a blend of pineapple and mango.
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, cozy flavor. It pairs beautifully with the oats!
- If you’re nut-free, swap almond flour with sunflower seed flour for an equally delicious option.
- For a protein boost, mix in a scoop of protein powder to the oat crust mixture.
- Make it vegan by using flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute, for added binding and nutrition!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
- They’re fantastic alongside a warm cup of herbal tea or a chilled glass of almond milk!
- For presentation, cut them into neat squares and serve on a colorful platter.
FAQs about Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh berries can be used in place of frozen ones, but you may need to cook them a bit longer to get the desired mushy consistency. Just remember that in-season berries will offer the best flavor.
How do I store the Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars? These bars are best stored in the fridge, wrapped loosely in parchment or in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Can I freeze these snack bars? Indeed! They freeze wonderfully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When you’re ready for a snack, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Are these bars suitable for a gluten-free diet? Yes! Just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness safely.
What can I substitute for coconut oil? If you need an alternative, try using unsalted butter or any vegetable oil you have on hand. Just be aware that these substitutions might tweak the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars is not just about satisfying cravings; it’s about cherishing moments with loved ones. As you pull these warm, fruity, and wholesome bars out of the oven, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment. Whether they’re for an after-school treat, a midday snack, or even a light breakfast, each bite is filled with joy and nourishment. Making these delightful bars together can turn a simple kitchen time into a cherished family memory. So go ahead, indulge in your culinary adventure, and let every bar remind you that healthy snacking can absolutely be delicious!
Print
Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Berry Oatmeal Snack Bars are a delicious, healthy treat made with a mixture of frozen berries and an oat-based crust, perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- A sprinkle of sea salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups of a frozen berry medley
- 1 ½ tablespoons tapioca starch
- ⅓ cup chilled coconut oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups almond flour (blanched)
- 1 ¾ cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a square 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
- In a small pot, toss in the frozen berries (halve the larger ones if necessary), coconut sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, and sea salt. Warm everything on low-medium heat for 5-10 minutes until the berries soften and release juices.
- Scoop out a couple of tablespoons of berry liquid and mix it with tapioca starch in a small bowl. Stir till smooth, then pour it back into the pot. Mix over heat for another minute before taking it off the stove to set aside.
- Stir oats, almond flour, sea salt, and baking soda in a big bowl. Add in the maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut oil. Use a fork first, then your hands, to make sure it all sticks together.
- Save ½-¾ cup of the oat mix for the topping. Press the rest evenly into the lined baking pan.
- Pour the berry mixture over the pressed crust and smooth it out so it’s even.
- Take the reserved oat mix and crumble it on top of the berries. Press lightly if you want chunkier pieces.
- Set it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, just until the edges are a bit golden.
- Let everything cool all the way before cutting into squares so they stick together nicely. Store in the fridge for up to a week with a loose cover.
Notes
- For chunkier pieces, press the oat topping lightly.
- Ensure the rolled oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
- These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
