Blackberry Crumble Bars

By Jamie Vespa

Healthy Blackberry Crumble Bars made with whole grains and no refined sugar. Enjoy for breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups fresh blackberries ((sub raspberries))
• 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp. corn starch
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• Cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup white whole-wheat flour ((sub all-purpose flour))
• 3/4 cup coconut sugar
• 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted ((sub vegan butter if making dairy-free))
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• So Delicious Coconutmilk Yogurt Alternative for topping ((optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine blackberries, maple syrup, corn starch, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a low boil, mashing berries to break them down. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest, and let cool slightly.

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 11- x 7-inch baking dish with parchment paper; lightly grease with cooking spray. Combine oats, flour, coconut sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in butter, oil, and vanilla; mix with your hands until texture resembles coarse sand. Reserve 2/3 cup oat mixture.

3. 3

   Spread remaining oat mixture in an even layer in prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press down. Spread blackberry mixture evenly overtop, and sprinkle remaining oat mixture over berries. Bake until lightly browned, about 35 minutes.

4. 4

   Cool completely on a wire rack. Slice into 12 squares. Top each square with a dollop of So Delicious Coconutmilk Yogurt Alternative, if desired. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.