Fruit Bars

I feel like spring is almost here, and last weekend the weather was BEAUTIFUL!  We finally were able to shed our coats and hang out in the sun.  Needless to say, not much got done around the house, but I did have time to make some fresh fruit bars. 
These aren’t completely clean, but they’re a much better option than most traditional desserts and will certainly satisfy the sweet tooth.  These are the perfect spring treat, and for less than 200 calories a square you may be able to indulge in more than one.

Step 1 Make the Crust

1 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup confectioner’s sugar
3 TBL cornstarch
1/4 salt
3 TBL EVOO
2 TBL Smart Balance Olive Oil spread (you can use butter too)
2 TBL Flax Seed
Preheat the oven to350.  Line an 8 inch baking pan with foil and coat with cooking spray.  Combine flour, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a medium bowl.  Add oil and butter.  Using your fingertips, blend the flour mixture until evenly combined.  Firmly press into the prepared pan.
Bake until beginning to brown (about 15 minutes).

Step 2 Make the Flavoring

3 cups of frozen raspberries.
1/3 cup water
2 TBL lemon juice

Combine fruit and water in a medium saucepan.  Cook over high heat stirring until fruit is mostly broken down (4-6 minutes).  Pour through fine mesh sieve and press solids to extract the juice.  Discard solids.  You need one cup of strained juice.  Stir in the lemon.

Step 3 Make the Filling

2 TBL + 2 tsp of Stevia sweetener
3 TBL cornstarch
1/8 tsp salt
2 large eggs

Truvia Sweetener Blend!

Whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt in medium bowl until well combined.  Whisk in eggs.  Stir in the juice mixture from step 2.  Pour filling over the crust.
Bake just until set.  15-20 minutes.  Let cool about 1 1/2 hour.  Cut into 9 squares.  Serve with fresh fruit. 
You can also try other fruits like blueberry or strawberry and rhubarb.  I just happen to love my raspberries! 

For additional meal planning and recipe ideas friend me on fb.com/fitmamabb.

Happy Baking!
 Katy Ursta