These days, you have to be really careful how you market ‘sugar-free’ recipes.
Describe a recipe with fruit as being ‘sugar-free’, and you’ll have ten readers scream at you in internet-speak that ‘fruit has sugar!’
So then, you may start writing ‘no sweeteners added’, and if you’ve got stevia in the list, you’ll get a similar reaction.
Sheesh, I’m just trying to tell ya that I didn’t add any sugar!
It used to be that if you didn’t add white sugar, a recipe was considered ‘sugar-free’, but with all the food police out there, you better mind your Ps and Qs. Can’t we all just get along?
To cover all my feather-ruffling bases, these are labeled as ‘no sugar added’. Fair enough?
This recipe comes at an odd time, what with Halloween on the horizon.
I feel like I should be posting something more appropriate in the form of clean-eating Twix Bars, witch’s brew, or the like, but I just didn’t feel the urge to ‘healthify’ any candy bars this year.
I have, however, been in the mood for pears, apples, and blueberries, all of which are in this recipe.
The blueberry filling reminds me of blueberry pie, and the soft, oat-based surrounding layers are bursting with cinnamon pear deliciousness.
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser in our home, which always makes me happy!
Cinnamon-Spiced Blueberry Pie Bars (Oil-Free, No Sugar Added)
Ingredients
- TOP/BOTTOM LAYER:
- 2 large ripe pears, preferably Bartlett
- 1/2 c. applesauce
- 1 t. lemon juice
- 2 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 1 1/2 t. baking powder
- 1/4 + 1/8 t. sea salt
- 2 1/4 c. oats
- FILLING:
- 1 1/2 c. blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1/4 c. 100% organic apple juice divided
- 1 T. arrowroot
- 1/2 t. vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Process the pears until they are applesauce consistency.
- Pulse in the applesauce, lemon juice, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in the oats and process until everything is well combined.
- Meanwhile, heat the blueberries with three tablespoons of apple juice until boiling.
- Lower the heat to a simmer, and cook five minutes, stirring a few times during the process.
- In a small bowl, mix the arrowroot with the remaining tablespoon of apple juice.
- Pour the arrowroot mix into the hot blueberries, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the vanilla and remove the pan from the heat, continuing to stir until thick.
- Lightly oil an 8 x 8 baking dish.
- Spread about half of the batter into the bottom of the dish.
- Top with the blueberry mixture.
- Dollop the remaining half of the oat batter on top, similar to how you would dollop biscuit dough for chicken and dumplings.
- Bake 25-30 minutes.
- Cool, cut, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Inspired by this recipe
Though not a Halloween treat per se, these would be a great snack or breakfast! That way, I’ve at least contributed in some way to your happy Halloween. 🙂
What are your Halloween plans? Are you dressing up?
Tori says
Omg, so delicious!! I’m ready for my second batch, lol!
Kathy says
I use these as energy bars throughout a day and before i go to the gym! These are just delicious!!
Rebekah says
If I used all apple sauce, instead of pear, how much do you think I should use? thanks! I’ve recently discovered your page 🙂
Lauren says
Hi Rebekah,
I would be guessing…maybe about one cup? I’m not certain though.
helyndunn says
Looks great! Thanks for sharing :))
Liz says
Yes, can we all just agree that people are CRAZY? I’m with Catherine. People are OBSESSED with food (probably, as she said, to their own detriment as stress wreaks more havoc than a crappy diet) and have completely overcomplicated the notion of “eating healthy”. Now, that term is so subjective and so individualized, differing from person to person; it’s come to the point that you can no longer call ANYTHING healthy.
But, that’s one of the reasons why you are one of my favorite bloggers. You don’t post as much as I’d like (I love your offerings so much, I want to be hearing from you every.single.day. :D), but you are open-minded and non-exclusionary (is that a real word?), without judgement and full of common sense. You do what works for you and respect that others do the same, without damning or criticizing them. (Plus, we happen to have very similar ideas and definitions of what “healthy” is. 🙂 )
You can tag or entitle your recipes any way you want. You’re awesomeness allows you to do so. 🙂
Lauren says
Hah, thanks so much Liz! You always know how to boost my ego. 🙂
athleticavocado says
these would be lovely with adding some cranberries to the filling! 🙂
Catherine says
well, there is a form of sugar in a lot of food, even in their natural state : grains, fruits and veggies, dairy… Sugar is naturally occuring and is necessary in our diet so let’s not get crazy over that. Refined sugar is a different thing, of course we should not have too much of it if any. People are getting so obsessed with food nowaday; maybe that is even worst for our health because we stress and forget to enjoy and be grateful for all that we have.
vanessa says
is it possible to use another fruit instead of blueberries?
Lauren says
I would assume so, but I haven’t tried!
Cheri says
Lauren,
What a great looking snack! I’m sorry you, like everyone else on the internet, get bashed by some of the haters hiding behind computers. Maybe there SHOULD be sugar added to get those people out of their sour state. lol While I hardly ever comment, but am a follower, I just wanted to let you know that most of us aren’t critical and enjoy your posts. Don’t let the few sour grapes spoil what you do. 🙂
Lauren says
Haha, thanks so much Cheri! I think it’s a part of every walk of life, not just blogging. I just get to put my rants in writing. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Strength and Sunshine says
These look fun! I love the pear!
Lauren says
Thanks girl!
Dawn says
that looks yummy!!!! i’m visiting my grandmother this weekend. i will make this for her!
Lauren says
Thanks Dawn, let me know how it goes if you do!