| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 345 | 15g | 10g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 5g | 6g | 0.10g |
Why I Love Canadian Vegan Berry Pie Bars
As a passionate home cook and writer for Your Gourmet Guru, I have travelled far and wide, indulging in a myriad of flavors and culinary traditions. Today, I’m delighted to share with you one of my favorite recipes, the Vegan Berry Pie Bars, a delectable Canadian dish that beckons us to savor its diverse flavors.
Discovering Canada’s Rich Palette
Having spent most of my life revelling in the hearty, earthy cuisine of Montana, my culinary journey northwards brought me face to face with a contrasting, yet equally rich and delightful palate. A reverence for nature and its bountiful produce is a cornerstone of both traditions. My reinterpretation of the traditional Canadian Berry bars not only satisfies a discerning vegan palate but pays homage to these shared values.
My Inspiration for Vegan Berry Pie Bars
While I tend to draw inspiration from my roots, the innovative creation of Vegan Berry Pie Bars was inspired, in part, by the celebrated vegan chef Angela Liddon. Her commitment to creating accessible, delicious vegan recipes sparked in me the desire to create a dish that, regardless of your dietary choices or preferences, is an absolute joy to eat.
The succulent blend of berries is evocative of summers back home in Montana, plucking huckleberries for a mouthwatering pie. Yet, the whole wheat flour and rolled oats are undeniably Canadian, adding a wholesome, hearty texture that elevates this dish from a mere dessert bar to a satisfying afternoon snack.
The Perfect Companion for Your Cuppa
I believe the Vegan Berry Pie Bars can turn a simple cup of tea or coffee into an indulgent treat. It’s the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and savory, and the berry filling is reminiscent of the huckleberry pies I love so much. But it’s their surprising versatility that truly stands out. They can be served alongside a warm bowl of Canadian Butternut Squash Soup for lunch or enjoyed with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.
As someone who’s spent a life navigating diverse culinary terrains and trying to bring together the best of worlds, the creation of these Vegan Berry Pie Bars has been a soulful journey. I can’t wait for you to relish these as much as I enjoyed crafting them.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- For the Berry Filling:
- 3 cups of mixed berries (frozen or fresh)
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot
- Juice of half a lemon
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil, cold
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is overhang on all sides, as this will make removal of the bars easier later on.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully combined. Reserve about 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Step Three
To prepare the berry filling, combine the mixed berries, maple syrup, cornstarch or arrowroot, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir until the berries are fully coated, then spread this mixture over the oat/flour mixture in the pan.
Step Four
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour and cold coconut oil. Using your fingers, cut the cold coconut oil into the oats and flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the berry filling.
Step Five
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the berry filling is bubbling and the oat topping is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
