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+ servings

Healthy Summer Fruit Crumble Bars

These healthy fruit crumble bars bring together seasonal summer fruits and a nutty, buttery crust that’s also used as a crumbly topping. Perfect as a nutritious dessert or snack, this healthy recipe features natural sweeteners, whole grains, and the flexibility to use your favorite berries or stone fruit.
Active Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 8x8 inch pan

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Small saucepan (optional for glaze)

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Topping:

  • ½ cup white whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup packed coconut sugar or light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons very cold unsalted butter cubed
  • 3 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup raw pecan halves

For the Fruit Filling:

  • cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Zest of 1 small lemon about ¾ teaspoon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups sliced ripe peaches about 3 medium peaches or 1 pound
  • 1 cup mixed fresh berries e.g., raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, or cherries

Optional for Serving:

  • Vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or Greek yogurt

Optional Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Pan & Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and position a rack in the center. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing the sides to hang over slightly for easy lifting. Spray lightly with nonstick spray.
  • Make the Crust Base: In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, coconut sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter and Greek yogurt using a pastry cutter or fork until the mix resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. Chill this mixture while you prepare the filling.
  • Mix the Fruit Filling: In a separate bowl, combine honey, cornstarch, lemon zest and juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the sliced peaches and berries gently until coated.
  • Form the Crust Layer: Take the crust mixture from the fridge. Press about two-thirds into the bottom of the lined pan to form an even layer. Spread the fruit mixture over the crust, ensuring the juices are distributed.
  • Add Crumble Topping: Roughly chop the pecans and mix them with the remaining crust mixture. Sprinkle this over the fruit layer to form the crumb topping.
  • Bake: Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the fruit filling is bubbling. Begin checking at 25 minutes. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  • Slice and Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out. Slice with a sharp knife. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, frozen yogurt, or a drizzle of vanilla glaze if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Fruit Tips: You can use frozen fruit (no need to thaw). For fresh peaches, poach for easier peeling.
Market Swap: Use your favorite mix of stone fruit (apricots, cherries) and berries (strawberries, blueberries). For tart fruits, sweeten the filling with more honey.
Glaze Option: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp milk until smooth. Drizzle after the bars have cooled.
Keyword healthy berry crumble, healthy fruit dessert, healthy recipes, healthy snack bars recipe, low sugar peach bars, nutritious fruit bars, summer fruit recipes healthy, whole grain fruit bars
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