Berry Bars Recipe (vegan, whole grain, dairy-free options)

Ingredients

For the crust and topping:

1 1/2 cups (150 grams) rolled oats

3/4 cup (94 grams) ivory whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar or raw sugar

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup (149 grams) room temperature coconut oil1 (should be as soft as room temperature butter) or 3/4 cup (168 grams) unsalted butter for a non-vegan and non-dairy-free version

For the filling:

2 1/2 cups (355 grams) fresh blueberries (do not use frozen)

7 tablespoons (125 grams) raspberry or another type of berry jam (make sure to use vegan jam, if necessary)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line an 8"x8" (20cmx20cm) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder and salt.
3. Use your hands to incorporate the coconut oil and mix just until a dough forms. It should not be very crumbly, but should stick together.
4. Gently press a little less than two-thirds of the dough onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
5. Bake for 10-13 minutes or until the edges have just started to brown.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the berries, jam, vanilla extract and salt. Spoon this over the still warm crust and sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the berries.
7. Bake for another 22-27 minutes or until the top has lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely. Refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting.
9. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These can also be frozen.

Notes

If you use unrefined coconut oil opposed to refined coconut oil, these bars will likely have a coconut taste to them. If your coconut oil is liquid at room temperature, you can use melted coconut oil in these bars. Mix all the crust / topping ingredients together and then put the bowl in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes or until firm enough to be pressed onto the bottom of the pan.

Original recipe and more pictures visit: Berry Bars (vegan, whole grain, dairy-free options) @ texanerin.com

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