The Ultimate Berry Breakfast Bars: A Burst of Morning Sunshine

Imagine waking up to a burst of berry sunshine, a perfect blend of sweetness, tang, and wholesome goodness to kickstart your day. That’s exactly what our Berry Breakfast Bars promise – a delightful symphony of blueberries, cranberries, and a host of nutritious ingredients that are sure to make your breakfast not just a meal but an experience. Here’s how to bring this burst of morning sunshine into your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Berry Layer:
  • 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp. corn starch
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• Crust & Topping:
  • 1 cup ground almonds
  • ¼ cup flax meal
  • 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • ½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lovingly line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth base for your creation.
2. Berry Mixture: In a medium bowl, gently toss together the blueberries, cranberries, sugar, corn starch, lemon juice, and lemon zest. This medley is the heart of your breakfast bars, a juicy layer that will weave through your taste buds with every bite.
3. Oatmeal Crust & Topping: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together ground almonds, flax meal, oats, flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, shredded coconut, and sliced almonds. Stir in the honey, melted butter, and vanilla until the mixture is well combined. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a crust and topping that’s both crunchy and irresistibly fragrant.
4. Assembling the Bars: Reserve ¾ cup of this oatmeal mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating a solid base. Spread the berry mixture evenly over this crust, a vibrant layer of natural sweetness. Finally, sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture on top, a crumbly finish that promises texture in every bite.
5. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown crust and berries that have cooked down into a luscious, jammy layer.
6. Cooling: Patience is a virtue, especially now. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into bars. This rest time is crucial for the flavors to meld and the bars to set, ensuring perfect slices.
7. Storage: Store these slices of heaven in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for a longer shelf life. They defrost beautifully, making them a convenient breakfast or snack option.

A Note from the Heart:

Creating these Berry Breakfast Bars is more than just following a recipe; it’s about weaving warmth, love, and nutrition into your mornings. Each ingredient has been chosen not just for its taste but for its contribution to your well-being. From the antioxidant-rich berries to the heart-healthy oats and almonds, every bite is a step towards a healthier, happier you.

So, as you savor these bars, remember that each bite is packed with not just flavors but also with care, health, and a sprinkle of culinary magic. Enjoy the process, relish the flavors, and let these Berry Breakfast Bars brighten your mornings with their natural sweetness and wholesome goodness.

Happy Baking!