Are you craving a sweet treat that's both healthy and incredibly easy to make? Look no further! These homemade fruit bars are the perfect answer. Packed with fresh fruit and a delightfully crunchy oat base, they're a fantastic snack for any time of day, perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend baking project. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so simple, even beginner bakers will feel confident whipping up a batch. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade goodness!
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup almond flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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For the Fruit Filling:
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – your favorites!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a square 8x8 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is crumbly.
Press into the Pan: Press the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This creates a solid base for your delicious fruit topping.
Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a separate bowl, gently toss the mixed berries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the fruit filling evenly over the oat crust.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Keep an eye on it – ovens vary!
Cool and Cut: Let the fruit bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and prevents them from crumbling.
Tips for Fruit Bar Success:
- Customize your Fruit: Feel free to use any combination of your favorite fruits! Peaches, apples, or even cherries would be delicious additions.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the amount of sugar in both the crust and the filling.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) to the crust.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and almond flour to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Variations:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Fruit Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds and the zest of one lemon to the crust for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Fruit Bars: Melt ½ cup of dark chocolate chips and swirl it into the fruit filling before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on fruit and nut additions)
This information is approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient list.
These fruit bars are a simple yet satisfying recipe, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while enjoying a healthy and delicious snack. They are a great example of quick dinner ideas or easy recipes that can be easily adapted to your preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different fruits and additions to create your own signature fruit bar recipe!