Healthy Berry Bars with Homemade Chia Seed Berry Jam!

Berry bars always appeared quite intimidating to me. I thought that there were numerous steps and it was all so complicated. However, I soon realized that it’s one of the easiest recipes to make and they taste amazing! I was genuinely surprised to learn how easy and healthy they could be. All they contain are natural sugars, a few household ingredients and paired with homemade chia seed berry jam they are one of the most delicious bars I’ve made!

Here’s what you’ll need

- Rolled Oats: Make sure you used rolled oats, I find they have the best consistency in bars.

- Cinnamon: Let’s be honest, cinnamon adds a delicious flavour to anything.

- Salt: Balances flavours and enhances sweetness.

- Maple Syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener.

- Coconut Oil: Adds moisture, richness and helps to bind everything together.

- Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise.

- Whole wheat Pastry Flour: You can use this or oat flour.

- Homemade Chia Seed Berry Jam: Gives a fruity and healthy filling.

The Process of Making Chia Seed Berry Jam

This is definitely a healthier version of jam in that there are no added sugars. It’s the chia seeds that make this possible. Once the chia seeds are added to the liquid they absorb it and form a thick, jam like consistency. Therefore, added pectin and sugar are not needed to make this jam!

  - 2 1/2 cups of frozen fruit

  - 1 1/2 Tbsp of lemon juice

  - 3 1/2 Tbsp of honey (substitute maple syrup to make vegan!)

  - 2 1/2 Tbsp of chia seeds

  - Splash of vanilla

  - Add the berries and honey to a sauce pan over medium heat.

  - Let this cook down until the berries are mushy and falling apart, mash with a fork, then add the chia seeds.

  - Consistently be stirring the mixture and let it come to a boil, the chia seeds will do what sugar normally does and form a thick, gel like consistency.

  - Once the mixture comes to a boil bring the heat to low and continually stir for about 15 minutes.

  - Remove from the stove and add the vanilla.

  - Add jam to a mason jar and let cool before placing in the fridge.

  - The Jam is good in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

  - I recommend making this ahead of time for a quick and easy assembly. *

Ingredients

  - 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

  - 1/2 cup rolled oats

  - 1 tsp baking powder

  - 1 tsp cinnamon

  - 1/2 tsp salt

  - 1/4 cup maple syrup or 50g

  - 2/3 cup of coconut oil or 80g

  - Chia seed berry jam

Assembling the Berry Bars

- Preparing the Base:

  - Add all the ingredients to a bowl, except the jam, and mix until combined.

  - Lay parchment paper in a 8 by 8 pan and grease with oil, butter, or whatever you have handy.

  - Pack down 2/3 of the mixture into the pan.

  - Pour your jam onto the base and spread, sprinkle in some more fresh berries if you have them on hand for a little extra fruity explosion.

  - Sprinkle remaining topping over the top.

  - Bake for 35 minutes at 18o degrees celsius.

Tips and Tricks

  - I used frozen berries but Fresh berries would work just as well.

  - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week.

  - Warm in the oven or microwave before serving for a wonderfully yummy breakfast or snack.

  - You can definitely make these the day before serving. Once cooled, place in the fridge and cut the morning of. This makes for a wonderful breakfast while hosting!

Health Benefits

Berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins, and they have a natural sweetness. This means you don't need any added sugar to these bars to make them sweeter. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fibre and protein, making these bars a healthier treat. They are great as a quick snack on the go or delicious when enjoyed in the morning with a bowl of yogurt!

Let me know what you think of these bars and any variations you’ve come across to make them even better!