Looking for a comforting, healthy treat to make this weekend? This recipe calls for delicious, ripe berries; use your favorite kind! There are only a few other ingredients involved. Plus, it’s gluten-free, diary free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free. It takes a bit of effort to put together, but you’ll think it’s worth it! Yum!!!

Mixed Berry Oat Bars Recipe

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten free)
  • 1 1/2 cups blanched almond flour
  • 1/2 tsp Himalayan Pink salt (fine)
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1-3 tsp water, if needed

Berry Filling:

  • 18 ounces organic fresh or frozen mixed berries (thawed), or your favorite kind!
  • 2-3 TBSP pure maple syrup (use less if your berries already taste sweet)
  • 2 tsp chia seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat over to 350 degrees. 
  2. In a large bowl, mash berries with a fork…just a rough mash is all that’s needed. Then, stir in the maple syrup to taste and the chia seeds. Set aside to let thicken while you make the crust.
  3. Line an 8 or 9 inch pan with parchment paper.
  4. Use a food processor to blend the rolled oats and salt into a finely ground flour. Add in the almond flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup, blending together until a dough forms. (It should hold together when you pinch it between your fingers.) If needed, add a little bit of water at a time, just until it reaches the proper consistency.
  5. Set aside 3/4 – 1 cup of the dough. Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the parchment lined pan.
  6. Spread the prepared berries over the crust, then crumble the remaining dough evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling has thickened.
  8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.

Be Well,

Donna Stephens, BCN, CNHP, LDHS
Vicki Kolbe, BCHHP, CNHP, DHS