If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic pie, our Better Living Pie Bars recipe is just what you need. These bars combine the flaky, buttery crust of traditional pie with a convenient handheld form that’s perfect for snacking or sharing. They’re easy to make and customizable with your favorite fillings, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Better Living Pie Bars, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients for the crust, filling, and topping. Each component works together to deliver that flaky texture and rich flavor we all love.
Crust Ingredients
Our Better Living Pie Bars crust relies on a simple mix designed for flakiness and buttery richness. We recommend using chilled ingredients for best results.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
Filling Ingredients
The filling brings the bars’ signature taste and texture. We opt for a blend that balances sweetness and fruit-forward flavor but can easily be customized.
- 3 cups fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, or mixed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Topping Ingredients
The topping adds a delightful crunch and an extra hint of sweetness to complete the bars.
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
| Ingredient Category | Key Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Flour, butter, sugar, egg, water | Use cold butter for flakiness |
| Filling | Berries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice | Fresh or frozen berries work |
| Topping | Oats, brown sugar, butter, flour | Melt butter before mixing |
With these measured ingredients, we ensure the Better Living Pie Bars come together perfectly, boasting a crisp crust, vibrant filling, and satisfyingly crunchy topping.
Equipment Needed
To craft our Better Living Pie Bars with precision and ease, having the right equipment is essential. Below we detail the tools that will streamline each step and deliver the perfect flaky crust, vibrant filling, and crunchy topping.
- Mixing Bowls
Use multiple bowls for separating the crust dough, berry filling, and oat topping ingredients. Opt for medium to large glass or stainless steel bowls for durability and easy cleaning.
- Pastry Cutter or Food Processor
A pastry cutter helps to cut the cold butter into the flour evenly for a flaky crust. Alternatively, a food processor speeds up the process and ensures a uniform texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurement is key. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for ingredients like flour, sugar, and spices to maintain recipe accuracy.
- Rolling Pin
Vital for rolling out the flaky pie crust dough evenly into a rectangle fitting your baking pan.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan
This size pan works perfectly for our pie bars, allowing for even baking and straightforward slicing.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Use these for mixing the filling and combining topping ingredients thoroughly.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter
For cutting the baked pie bars into neat, uniform portions.
- Cooling Rack
To cool the bars evenly after baking without sogginess forming underneath.
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Lining the baking pan with parchment prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | Separate mixing |
| Pastry Cutter/Food Processor | Incorporate butter into flour |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Rolling Pin | Roll out dough evenly |
| 9×13 Baking Pan | Bake bars uniformly |
| Spatula/Wooden Spoon | Mix filling and topping |
| Knife/Pizza Cutter | Slice bars |
| Cooling Rack | Cool bars evenly |
| Parchment Paper | Prevent sticking & simplify cleanup |
Pro Tip: Keep your butter and water ice-cold to ensure the flakiest crust. Using a food processor can keep the butter cooler than hand mixing.
Having these essential tools at our disposal empowers us to achieve consistently delicious Better Living Pie Bars every time.
Prep Work
Before we dive into assembling our Better Living Pie Bars, proper Prep Work ensures a smooth baking process and a delicious final product. Let’s prepare each component step-by-step for the best results.
Preparing the Crust
To achieve a flaky and buttery crust that forms the base of our Better Living Pie Bars, follow these steps:
- Chill the butter and water: Keep the unsalted butter and ice-cold water in the refrigerator until ready. This is crucial for a flaky texture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter: Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add egg and ice water: Beat the egg lightly. Gradually add the egg and ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently. Stop when the dough just holds together without being sticky.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period improves the crust’s texture and makes it easier to roll out.
Preparing the Filling
Our sweet and vibrant filling balances the richness of the crust perfectly. Here’s how to prepare it for maximum flavor and consistency:
- Combine berries and sugar: In a medium bowl, mix fresh or frozen berries with sugar.
- Add thickener and flavor enhancers: Stir in cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional cinnamon to thicken the filling and boost flavor.
- Let sit briefly: Allow the filling to rest for 10 minutes so the cornstarch starts absorbing the berry juices, ensuring a thick, jam-like consistency once baked.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fresh or frozen berries | Main flavor and texture base |
| Sugar | Sweetness |
| Cornstarch | Thickening agent |
| Lemon juice | Brightens and balances flavor |
| Cinnamon (optional) | Adds warm, spicy notes |
Preparing the Topping
- Mix dry topping ingredients: In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, and nutmeg.
- Incorporate melted butter: Pour melted butter over the dry mix and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly coated.
- Set aside: Keep topping ready to sprinkle evenly over the filling before baking for a golden and crunchy finish.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to create our Better Living Pie Bars that combine a flaky crust, vibrant filling, and crunchy topping for a delightful treat.
Making the Crust
- Chill the butter and water until they are ice-cold to ensure a flaky texture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1 tsp salt.
- Cut 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed) into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 3 tbsp ice-cold water.
- Gradually add the egg and water mixture into the flour-butter crumbs, stirring with a fork until the dough begins to come together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Adding the Filling
- Combine 4 cups fresh or frozen berries with 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional) in a medium bowl.
- Gently toss the mixture until the berries are evenly coated.
- Let the filling rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cornstarch to activate.
Adding the Topping
- In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg.
- Pour in 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter and blend until the mixture is crumbly and golden.
Baking the Pie Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Transfer the dough to the pan and press gently to cover the bottom evenly.
- Pour the berry filling over the crust and spread uniformly.
- Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the filling.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let the pie bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
| Step | Temperature (°F/°C) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chill dough | Refrigerator (~40°F) | At least 30 min |
| Rest filling | Room Temperature | 10 min |
| Bake pie bars | 350°F / 175°C | 45-50 min |
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once the Better Living Pie Bars come out of the oven, it is crucial to let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling phase allows the filling to set and the crust to firm up, resulting in clean, sharp slices without crumbling or oozing.
We recommend resting the bars for at least 1 to 1½ hours. During this time the filling thickens perfectly, maintaining that vibrant berry flavor and crisp crust texture.
Cooling Timeline
| Step | Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Rest in Pan | 10 minutes | Allows bars to settle in hot pan |
| Cooling on Wire Rack | 1 to 1½ hrs | Lets filling set and crust crisp fully |
| Optional Chilling | 30 minutes | For firmer bars and easier slicing |
For an extra touch, optionally chill the bars for 30 minutes after cooling. This helps with slicing neat bars especially when using juicy or softer fruit fillings.
Serving Tips
- Slice the bars into 2-inch squares or rectangular pieces for easy serving.
- Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts that prevent dragging the topping.
- Serve at room temperature to highlight the buttery crust and fresh fruit filling.
Presentation Ideas
- Dust bars lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to enhance richness.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional berries for appealing color contrast.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To maximize freshness and flavor, we recommend the following Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for your Better Living Pie Bars:
Make-Ahead Preparation
- Prepare and bake the pie bars up to two days in advance.
- After baking, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Once cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
- For firmer bars, especially with juicy fillings, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storing Better Living Pie Bars
| Storage Method | Duration | Storage Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 day | Covered with foil or wrap | Best for immediate serving, keeps crust crisp |
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Airtight container or wrap | Keeps filling fresh and topping crisp |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrapped tightly and sealed | Wrap bars individually, thaw overnight in fridge before serving |
- When freezing, slice bars into individual portions for easy thawing and serving.
- Thaw frozen bars slowly in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.
- Avoid microwaving directly from frozen; instead, reheat gently in a low oven (300°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Serving After Storage
- Serve Better Living Pie Bars at room temperature for the best flavor profile.
- Reheat refrigerated bars briefly in the oven (at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes) to refresh the buttery crust and warm the fruit filling.
- For a dessert upgrade, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pro Tip: Always store the bars in a single layer to avoid crushing the topping and keep the crust flaky.
Following these tips will help us enjoy the rich flavors and delightful textures of our Better Living Pie Bars any time.
Conclusion
Better Living Pie Bars bring together the best of flaky crusts, vibrant fillings, and crunchy toppings in one easy-to-make treat. They’re perfect for sharing or enjoying as a convenient snack anytime. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars invite us to get creative with flavors and make every bite satisfying.
By following the tips for prep, baking, and storage, we can ensure each batch stays fresh and delicious. Whether served warm or chilled, these pie bars are a versatile addition to our baking repertoire that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s keep these bars handy for whenever we want a taste of homemade goodness without the fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Better Living Pie Bars?
Better Living Pie Bars are a modern twist on traditional pie, featuring a flaky crust, fruit filling, and a crunchy oat topping. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for snacking or sharing.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires all-purpose flour, cold unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt, an egg, and ice-cold water to achieve a flaky, buttery texture.
Can I use different fillings for the pie bars?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for various fillings, including fresh or frozen berries combined with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and optional cinnamon.
What tools do I need to make these pie bars?
Necessary tools include mixing bowls, a pastry cutter or food processor, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, a 9×13 inch baking pan, and parchment paper for easy cleanup.
How do I keep the crust flaky?
Use ice-cold butter and water, mix ingredients gently, and chill the dough as directed to maintain a flaky, tender crust.
How long should the bars cool after baking?
Cool the bars in the pan on a wire rack for 1 to 1½ hours to let the filling set and crust firm up for clean slicing. Optional chilling for 30 minutes helps firmer bars.
What is the best way to slice and serve the pie bars?
Slice into 2-inch squares with a sharp serrated knife. Serve at room temperature and consider toppings like powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Can I make these pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake them up to two days in advance, storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.
How should I store leftover pie bars?
Store at room temperature for up to one day, refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months in an airtight container, preferably in a single layer.
How do I reheat pie bars after storage?
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to refresh the crust’s crispness and warm the filling before serving. Always serve at room temperature for the best taste.