We can’t wait to share our Better Living Pie Bars recipe—it’s a delightful twist on traditional pie that packs rich flavors into easy-to-make bars. Perfect for busy days or family gatherings these treats combine the best of buttery crusts and fruity fillings for a satisfying dessert that’ll brighten any occasion.
We’re all about creating recipes that feel fresh and approachable so you can enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss. With simple ingredients and quick prep this one has become a favorite in our kitchen and we’re sure it’ll do the same for you.
Ingredients
In our kitchen, we love crafting the Better Living Pie Bars with simple, fresh ingredients that deliver that irresistible buttery crust and vibrant fruity filling. Below, we’ve organized the ingredients in the order they’re used, complete with prep notes for effortless preparation.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light, flaky base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed to ensure a tender, buttery texture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: For a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: To enhance the overall taste without overpowering.
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries): Washed and gently patted dry for a juicy, natural burst of fruitiness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adjusted based on berry sweetness to create a perfectly tart-sweet filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Mixed with a splash of water to thicken the filling and prevent sogginess.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a zesty brightness that elevates the fruit’s natural flavors.
- 1 large egg: Beaten for an egg wash that gives the bars a golden finish.
These carefully selected ingredients make our Better Living Pie Bars a go-to treat, blending ease with homemade goodness for any occasion.
Required Equipment
To prepare our Better Living Pie Bars efficiently and achieve that perfect buttery crust and fruity filling, we rely on a few essential tools. These items help streamline the process from mixing ingredients to baking, ensuring consistent results every time.
We categorize the required equipment below for clarity:
- Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for combining the dry ingredients like flour and sugar, and another for the wet components such as butter and eggs—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and liquid measuring cups (for ingredients like lemon juice), along with spoons for precise measurements, as accuracy is key to balancing the flavors in our Better Living Pie Bars.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: This rectangular pan is ideal for creating even layers of crust and filling; we recommend a non-stick version to ensure the bars release easily and maintain their golden finish.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant spatula for stirring and folding the berry filling, or a wooden spoon for mixing the crust dough, allowing for gentle handling without overworking the ingredients.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 375°F for baking; we suggest using an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy, as this ensures the bars bake evenly and develop their delightful texture.
- Whisk: A medium whisk for blending the cornstarch and sugar into the filling mixture, helping to avoid lumps and create a smooth, glossy consistency.
By having these tools ready, we make the transition from ingredients to a freshly baked treat seamless and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through crafting our Better Living Pie Bars with straightforward steps that ensure a flaky crust and burst of fruity flavors.
Prep
First, we start by preparing the crust to create a buttery base that perfectly complements the vibrant filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt by whisking them together until evenly blended—this forms the dry mixture that gives our bars their tender texture.
Next, in a separate bowl, cut 1 cup of unsalted butter (chilled and cubed) into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs, evoking a sandy feel that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Press half of this crumbly dough firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch non-stick baking pan to form an even layer, setting the foundation for the fruity layers to come.
Make the Filling
We now focus on creating the luscious filling that brings a sweet-tart burst to our Better Living Pie Bars. In a clean medium bowl, gently toss 4 cups of fresh mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries) with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to thicken and brighten the flavors, resulting in a glossy mixture that glistens with natural juices.
Stir the ingredients carefully with a spatula until the berries release their vibrant juices, coating everything in a syrupy glaze that hints at the fresh, tangy aroma soon to fill your kitchen—be sure to avoid over-mixing to keep the berries intact for that perfect, juicy pop in every bite.
Assemble
With our components ready, we assemble the bars for a layered treat that combines crispiness and softness in one delightful package. Evenly spread the prepared berry filling over the pressed crust in the baking pan, ensuring it covers the surface completely for uniform flavor in each bar.
Top the filling with the remaining crust mixture by sprinkling it loosely over the berries to form a crumbly topping, creating a contrast of textures that will bake into a golden, irresistible finish—picture the sweet berries peeking through for a visually appealing and mouthwatering result.
Bake
We bake our Better Living Pie Bars to transform the raw layers into a warm, aromatic dessert that fills the air with the scent of baked berries and buttery goodness. Preheat your oven to 375°F, then place the assembled pan on the middle rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown and the filling bubbles enticingly around the edges.
Keep an eye on the bars during the last 10 minutes to achieve that ideal crispness without over-browning, as the heat melds the flavors into a cohesive, delectable treat that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Cool and Serve
Finally, we cool and serve our Better Living Pie Bars to ensure they set properly for clean cuts and maximum enjoyment. Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour at room temperature, allowing the filling to firm up and the flavors to intensify into a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes.
Once cooled, cut the bars into 12-16 squares using a sharp knife for precise portions, and serve them as a handheld delight—perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the fresh berry essence and buttery crust, making them perfect for any gathering or quick snack.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Better Living Pie Bars in advance can save time without sacrificing flavor. Here’s how we streamline the process for fresh, delicious results every time.
Preparing the Crust Ahead
To keep things simple, we recommend making the crust mixture up to 2 days in advance. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt as outlined in our earlier steps. Cut in the chilled butter until crumbly, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This ensures the butter stays firm, maintaining that perfect butterycrust texture when you’re ready to bake.
Preparing the Filling Ahead
For the filling, we suggest prepping it 1-2 days before assembly to let the flavors meld. In a separate bowl, gently toss the fresh mixed berries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until glossy. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess. Remember to give it a quick stir before using, as the juices may separate slightly.
Assembling and Storing the Bars
If you want to go further, assemble the entire bars up to 24 hours ahead. Press half of the chilled crust mixture into your 9×13 inch baking pan, layer on the prepared filling, and top with the remaining crust. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, simply remove the covering and proceed with the original baking instructions at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
Storage Tips for Baked Bars
Once baked, our Better Living Pie Bars can be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s a quick overview of storage options:
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Cool the bars completely, then cut into squares and store in an airtight container. This keeps the berry filling fresh and prevents drying out. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore that golden-brown crispness. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Better Living Pie Bars remain a hassle-free treat for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our Better Living Pie Bars recipe as a simple way to add homemade delight to your routine. These bars bring fresh flavors and ease into busy lives, making every bite worthwhile.
Try them out and let them become a go-to favorite in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Better Living Pie Bars?
Better Living Pie Bars are a modern twist on classic pie, turned into easy-to-make bars with a buttery crust and fruity fillings. They’re perfect for busy days or family events, using simple ingredients for a quick, homemade treat that balances rich flavors and textures without the fuss.
What ingredients are needed for Better Living Pie Bars?
You’ll need basic items for the crust like all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, sugar, and salt, plus filling ingredients such as fresh mixed berries, more sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a beaten egg. These fresh, everyday components create a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors in under 10 ingredients total.
What equipment is required to make Better Living Pie Bars?
Essential tools include two medium mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a 9×13 inch baking pan, a spatula or wooden spoon, and an oven preheated to 375°F. A whisk helps blend the filling smoothly, making the process efficient and straightforward for home bakers.
How do I make Better Living Pie Bars?
Start by mixing the crust ingredients and pressing into a pan. Toss berries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for the filling, layer it over the crust, and top with more crumbs. Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until golden, then cool and cut into squares. Serve with whipped cream for extra yum.
Can I make Better Living Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The filling can be made 1-2 days ahead to let flavors blend. You can even assemble the bars up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate them, saving time for busy schedules.
How should I store Better Living Pie Bars?
Store baked bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bars in the fridge before serving to keep them fresh and tasty, making them a convenient treat anytime.