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Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

Name: Healthy Pear Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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

Imagine the warmth of homemade crumble bars in your kitchen, filling the air with sweet fragrances of ripe pears and comforting spices. These Healthy Pear Crumble Bars bring a delightful twist to traditional dessert bars, combining nutritious ingredients with the cozy familiarity of a baked treat. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or indulging in a guilt-free dessert, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is special for multiple reasons:

Wholesome Ingredients: Made with gluten-free oats and Bosc pears, each bite is nourishing yet delicious.
Easy to Make: The straightforward steps mean you can whip these up any day of the week without fussing over complicated techniques.
Versatile: Enjoy them warm straight from the oven, chilled, or drizzled with a glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Simple Way to Prepare Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

Getting started on these delightful bars is a breeze! You only need a few simple steps to create a delicious dessert that everyone will be talking about. With rich flavors and hearty textures, your kitchen is about to be filled with a cozy aroma that draws family and friends near.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the process, ensure you’ve got all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the longer sides. This overhang will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later on, ensuring clean, perfect slices.

Step 3: 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—this is essential for even distribution of flavors throughout your bars.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients into Crumb

Now, pour in ½ cup of melted coconut oil or butter. Use a fork, pastry blender, or clean fingertips to work this wet ingredient into your dry mixture until it resembles coarse, moist crumbs. You want some larger clumps to form, so try to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Create the Base Layer

Take about two-thirds of your prepared crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your lined baking pan. For best results, use the bottom of a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup to compact the crumbs well. The remaining one-third of the crumb mixture will be saved for your topping.

Step 6: Prepare the Pears

Let’s get to the star of the show—the pears! Peel, core, and dice the 3 large ripe Bosc pears into ½-inch pieces. Once diced, toss them into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Step 7: Season the Pears

To enhance the pears’ natural sweetness, stir in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, ¼ cup of water, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if you’re using it. Gently toss everything together until the diced pears are well coated.

Step 8: Thicken the Filling

For a fantastic texture, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gluten-free all-purpose flour over the seasoned pears and toss again. This step is crucial as the flour will absorb excess juices released during baking, preventing a soggy filling.

Step 9: Layer the Filling

Carefully spoon your pear filling evenly over your pressed crumb base in the baking pan. Use the back of your spoon or an offset spatula to make sure it reaches all edges for a consistent layer.

Step 10: Add the Crumble Topping

Now, sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumb mixture generously over the pear filling. Try to distribute it evenly, allowing for some delightful clumps for that rustic, homemade appearance we all love.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking pan in the preheated oven, baking for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a beautifully golden brown crumble topping and bubbly pear filling around the edges. If you notice that the topping is browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes.

Step 12: Cool Completely

Once baked, take the pan out of the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours. Patience is key here! This cooling time gives the filling a chance to set and the crumb layers are better firmed up for perfect slicing.

Step 13: Lift and Slice

When the bars are fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire slab out of the baking pan. Place it onto a cutting board, remove the parchment paper, and using a sharp knife, carefully cut the slab into individual bars, usually around 12-16. For the cleanest cuts, wipe your knife clean between slices.

Step 14: Prepare Optional Glaze

For an optional glaze that adds a lovely finishing touch, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of water or lemon juice in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled bars if desired.

Step 15: Storage and Serving

Store your Healthy Pear Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will last about 3-4 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze individual bars wrapped tightly for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving, and enjoy them on their own or paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a small scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

Keeping Healthy Pear Crumble Bars Fresh

Storage Tips for Healthy Pear Crumble Bars:

Room Temperature: Keep bars in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 70°F.
Refrigerate: Extend freshness up to a week at 40°F in the fridge.
Freeze: For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months at 0°F.

Best Ways to Serve Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

These scrumptious bars can easily be enjoyed on their own, but here are some delightful serving ideas to elevate your experience:

With Cream: Serve warm with whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
Chill it Down: Delicious chilled alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Top it Off: Consider pairing them with fresh fruit slices or a sprinkle of nuts for extra crunch.
Dip Delight: For a cozy night, warm them up and dip into vanilla yogurt or an decadent, frosty ice cream scoop—the options are endless!

Tips to Make Healthy Pear Crumble Bars

Choose Your Pears Wisely: Ripe Bosc pears provide wonderful sweetness and texture; avoid overly ripe or overly firm pears.
Mix the Crumble Well: Ensure even mixing in the crumb to avoid any clumps of dry flour.
Don’t Rush Cooling: Allowing the bars to chill completely guarantees clean slices!

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to play with the flavors of your Healthy Pear Crumble Bars, here are some appealing options for you:

Different Fruits: Substitute pears with apples, peaches, or berries depending on what’s in season and your taste preference.
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare them a day in advance. Just store them properly and they’ll maintain their flavor.

Q: What if I can’t find Bosc pears?
You can replace them with any ripe pears or even try apples or some seasonal stone fruits.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the maple syrup in the filling to your preference. Just remember that the pears should still remain sweet to maintain balance.

Q: How do I freeze the bars?
For freezing, individually wrap each bar with plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Enjoy them warm after thawing!

Creating Healthy Pear Crumble Bars at home is not just fulfilling but an exercise in joy and deliciousness. With their inviting flavor and nourishing ingredients, these bars make a fantastic treat for any occasion. Whether you keep them as a personal indulgence or share them with loved ones, you’re sure to bring smiles and warmth with every bite.

So why wait? Bring a taste of happiness to your kitchen today and relish the delightful experience that is uniquely yours.