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Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

There’s something undeniably comforting about holding a warm dessert in your hands, and this recipe for Healthy Pear Crumble Bars encapsulates that cozy feeling perfectly. With their delicious blend of sweet Bosc pears and a satisfyingly crunchy crumble topping, these bars are not only pleasing to the palate but also significantly better for you than most traditional desserts. Whether enjoying a late afternoon treat or serving guests with a cup of tea, these bars will soon become a cherished favorite.

Why Make This Recipe

These bars are a delightful balance between wholesome and indulgent, allowing you to enjoy dessert without the guilt.
Made with gluten-free options and natural sweeteners, they cater to various dietary needs.
Perfect for sharing, these bars can be sliced into neat portions and are easy to transport for gatherings or picnics.

If you’re looking for an easy, nutritious dessert that honors seasonal flavors while satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is your answer.

Easy Method for Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

Making your own Healthy Pear Crumble Bars is a breeze and offers a satisfying kitchen project that culminates in a delectable treat. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress friends and family—or give yourself a sweet well-deserved reward.

Ingredients

To prepare these indulgent yet healthy bars, gather the following ingredients:

½ cup coconut oil or butter, melted
1 1/3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
¼ cup pure maple syrup
Pinch sea salt
3 large ripe Bosc pears, sliced
¼ cup water
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
1 Tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbsp water or lemon juice

Directions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delightful bars:

Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides for easy removal and clean slices.
Combine Dry Ingredients for Crumb
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour, 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats, ¼ cup pure maple syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients into Crumb
Add ½ cup melted coconut oil or butter to the dry ingredients. Use a fork, pastry blender, or clean fingertips to work the wet ingredients into the dry until the mixture resembles coarse, moist crumbs with some larger clumps forming. Avoid overmixing.
Create the Base Layer
Take about two-thirds of the prepared crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your parchment-lined baking pan. Use the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to compact the crumbs. Set aside the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture for the topping.
Prepare the Pears
Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing 3 large ripe Bosc pears into ½-inch pieces. Place the diced pears into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Season the Pears
To the diced pears, add 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup, ¼ cup water, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg (optional). Toss everything together gently with a spoon or spatula until the pears are thoroughly coated.
Thicken the Filling
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour over the seasoned pears. Toss again to ensure the powder is evenly distributed and coats all the pear pieces. This step is critical to thicken the juices released by the pears during baking.
Layer the Filling
Carefully spoon the pear filling evenly over the pressed crumb base in your prepared baking pan. Use the back of your spoon or an offset spatula to spread the pear mixture right to the edges, ensuring a consistent layer.
Add the Crumble Topping
Take the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture and generously sprinkle it over the pear filling. Distribute it as evenly as possible, allowing for some delightful clumps for a rustic appearance.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown, and the pear filling is bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes.
Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, or even longer. Do not skip this step, as the filling needs to set and the crumb layers need to firm up for clean, beautiful slices.
Lift and Slice
Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of bars out of the baking pan and transfer it to a cutting board. Remove the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the slab into individual bars (typically 12-16 bars). For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean between slices.
Prepare Optional Glaze
For an optional glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 Tbsp water or lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars, if desired.
Storage and Serving
Store these Healthy Pear Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual bars (wrapped tightly) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving. They are fantastic on their own, or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Best Way to Store Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

To keep your Healthy Pear Crumble Bars fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at 68-72°F.
Refrigeration: Extend shelf life to about 7 days by refrigerating them at 40°F.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: Allow to thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Keeping these bars stored correctly will help retain their delightful flavors and textures.

Serving Ideas for Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

When it comes to enjoying these scrumptious bars, the possibilities are endless. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience:

A Warm Dessert: Enjoy the bars straight from the oven when they’re slightly warm. This enhances the aroma and flavor, making for a cozy treat.
With Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or dairy-free ice cream for a classic dessert pairing that elevates the sweetness.
Breakfast Option: These bars can double as a quick breakfast option. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying morning meal.
Garnish: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, or sprinkle with nuts for added texture and flavor.
Fruit Compote: Drizzle over a warm fruit compote for an additional layer of sweetness and freshness.

Small adjustments in serving can completely change the dining experience of your Healthy Pear Crumble Bars.

Tips to Make Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

Here are some quick tips to ensure your baking journey is successful:

Use Ripe Pears: Ripe Bosc pears will bring out the best sweetness and flavor.
Don’t Skip The Cooling: Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures that you achieve clean slices without the filling spilling out.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just enough to combine; avoid overmixing for a tender crumble.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to try out different spices like cardamom or ginger powder for an interesting twist.

Keeping these tips in mind will elevate your result and make sure that your Healthy Pear Crumble Bars turn out wonderfully.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to mix it up, here are some variations you can try:

Alternative Sweeteners: Instead of maple syrup, you can use agave nectar or honey for a different taste.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts or seeds to the crumble topping for an extra crunch and boost of nutrition. Walnuts or pecans work particularly well.
Different Fruits: While pears are the star here, you can use apples or a mix of berries for a delightful change.

Feel free to experiment to find your perfect balance.

FAQs About Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container once cooled.

Q: Can I use different types of pears?
A: Yes, while Bosc pears are ideal, you can substitute with any variety such as Anjou or Bartlett pears, depending on what you have available.

Q: How do I keep the filling from being too runny?
A: Make sure to coat the pear filling with a bit of flour to thicken it, as mentioned in the recipe. This helps absorb excess moisture released during baking.

Q: Can I reduce the sweetness?

You can halve the maple syrup or substitute with unsweetened applesauce for a less sweet version.

The Healthy Pear Crumble Bars will be a delightful addition to your recipe collection, marrying health and indulgence in one bite. So, roll up your sleeves and gather those ingredients—your kitchen is about to be filled with a warm, comforting aroma that will coax everyone to the table. Enjoy each delicious bite while knowing you’ve created something nutritious that everyone will love.