introduction
This Triple Berry Pie Bars makes soft, sweet bars with a buttery oat crust and a custard-like berry filling. The bars use frozen mixed berries so you can make them any time. If you like berry desserts, you may also like baked cranberry brie bites.
why make this recipe
These bars are easy to make and feed a crowd. They use simple pantry ingredients and frozen berries. You can serve them warm with ice cream or cool for a snack. They hold their shape and travel well.
how to make Triple Berry Pie Bars
Ingredients :
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup flour
- pinch salt
- zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 (16 oz) packages frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9 inch by 13 inch baking pan.
- Put oats into the food processor and pulse until a coarse “flour” forms.
- Add the regular flour, 1.5 cups sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the food processor and pulse a few times to mix.
- Cut the chilled butter into 1/2 inch cubes and add to the flour mixture.
- Process until the butter is evenly distributed but the mixture is still crumbly, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Reserve 1.5 cups of the mixture to use as the topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust 12 to 15 minutes.
- Cool the crust for at least 10 minutes.
- Whisk the eggs in a large bowl.
- Add 2 cups sugar, sour cream, 3/4 cup flour, a pinch salt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the eggs and whisk to combine.
- Gently fold the frozen mixed berries into the filling mixture.
- Spoon the berry filling over the cooled crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved flour-oat mixture evenly over the filling.
- Bake the bars 45 to 55 minutes until set.
- Cool the bars at least 1 hour before cutting into bars.
- Serve the bars warmed, chilled, or at room temperature and consider a scoop of ice cream on the side.
how to serve Triple Berry Pie Bars
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool and dust with powdered sugar. Cut into squares and serve on a plate for dessert or on the go.
how to store Triple Berry Pie Bars
Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can freeze bars in a single layer for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.
tips to make Triple Berry Pie Bars
– Use cold butter for a better crumb topping.
– Do not overmix the filling after adding berries to keep berries from breaking.
– Let bars cool fully so they set and cut cleanly.
– If berries are very large, chop them a bit so the bars bake evenly.
variation (if any)
You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier filling. Try all blueberries or a mix of raspberries and strawberries for a different flavor. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the filling if you prefer a thicker filling.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Yes. Use fresh berries when in season but reduce extra liquid by draining large berries if needed.
- Q: Do I need to thaw the frozen berries?
No. You can fold frozen berries into the filling from frozen. Do not thaw to avoid extra liquid.
- Q: Can I make this gluten free?
You can try a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats, but baking time may change. Expect a slightly different texture.
Conclusion
These triple berry pie bars are simple and tasty for any day. For a gluten-free crumbly version with similar flavors, see a similar triple berry crumb bars recipe.