Ready for a burst of flavor that will blow your taste buds away? Look no further. This Overload Berry Pie Bar is a medley of berries, nestled on a crispy chocolate cookie base. Sweet, tart, and utterly delicious, this is a dessert that is sure to become your favorite.
This recipe calls for a variety of berries - strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. While these are usually available at most supermarkets, they can be seasonal. So, it's a good idea to check the availability. The chocolate sandwich cookies used for the base can be any brand of your liking, just ensure they are crunchy to give a nice contrast to the soft berry topping.
Ingredients for Overload Berry Pie Bar
Chocolate sandwich cookies: These form the base of the pie bars. You can use any brand you prefer.
Unsalted butter: Used to bind the cookie crumbs together.
Blueberries: Adds a sweet-tart flavor to the pie bars.
Strawberries: These give a sweet and tangy taste.
Raspberries: These add a tangy punch.
Granulated sugar: This will sweeten the berry mixture.
Cornstarch: It helps thicken the berry mixture.
Water: Used to make cornstarch paste.
Cinnamon: Gives a warm, sweet aroma and flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Mixed berries: Decorative and flavorful topping.
Whipped cream: For serving - the creamy finish complements the flavors.
One reader, Broderick Maguire says:
This overload berry pie bar recipe is a game-changer! The combination of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries creates a burst of flavor. The chocolate cookie crust adds a delightful crunch. It's a hit with my family and friends. Plus, it's so easy to make! Highly recommended for any berry lover.
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Berry Pie Bars
How to prepare the crust: Mix together the cookie crumbs and butter until fully incorporated, then press firmly into an even layer in a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to firm.
How to make the berry filling: Combine the blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the cornstarch slurry and stir until thickened. Let the mixture cool before pouring over the crust.
How to serve: Slice the pie into 12 bars and top with fresh mixed berries. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
How To Make Overload Berry Pie Bar
Have a taste of this tart overload berry pie bar for a no-bake treat. It’s made with rich mixed berries filling served over chocolate cookie crust.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 48chocolate sandwich cookies,crushed
- 12tbspunsalted butter,melted
- 3cupsblueberry
- 1½cupsstrawberry,stemmed, hulled, and quartered
- 1½cupsraspberry
- ¾cupgranulated sugar
- 3tbspcornstarch
- 4tbspwater
- ½tspcinnamon
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupfresh mixed berries
- whipped cream,for serving
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and butter until fully incorporated.
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Pour the crumbs into the prepared baking sheet and press firmly in an even layer. Transfer to the refrigerator to firm for about 1 hour.
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In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and sugar. Stir for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth paste forms.
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Add the cornstarch slurry to berries and stir to combine. Stir in the cinnamon and salt.
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Let the berry mixture cool completely for about 1 hour, before pouring over the crust. Top with the mixed berries.
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Slice into 12 bars and serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 422.99kcal
- Fat: 21.03g
- Saturated Fat: 10.03g
- Trans Fat: 0.52g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.48g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.30g
- Carbohydrates: 58.94g
- Fiber: 4.03g
- Sugar: 38.53g
- Protein: 3.31g
- Cholesterol: 30.53mg
- Sodium: 286.05mg
- Calcium: 24.79mg
- Potassium: 206.80mg
- Iron: 6.18mg
- Vitamin A: 99.60µg
- Vitamin C: 19.99mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Overload Berry Pie Bar Success
When pressing the cookie crumbs and butter mixture into the baking sheet, use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to ensure an even layer. This will help the crust bake uniformly and hold together when sliced into bars.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Overload Berry Pie Bars
Prep ahead: Prepare the cookie crust and berry filling the day before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the pie bars.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This will help you work more efficiently and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Use pre-made crust: If you're short on time, consider using pre-made cookie crusts instead of making them from scratch. This can significantly cut down on prep time.
Multi-task: While the crust is chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to prepare the berry filling. This way, you can make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Chill the bars: After assembling the pie bars, chill them in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the bars easier to slice and serve.
Substitute Ingredients For Overload Berry Pie Bar Recipe
chocolate sandwich cookies - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor to the crust of the pie bars.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a similar richness and flavor to the crust.
blueberry - Substitute with blackberry: Blackberries can be used as a substitute for blueberries, offering a similar tartness and sweetness to the filling.
strawberry - Substitute with cherry: Cherries can be used as a substitute for strawberries, providing a slightly different flavor profile while still maintaining a delicious fruity element in the pie bars.
raspberry - Substitute with cranberry: Cranberries can be used as a substitute for raspberries, offering a tart and slightly tangy flavor to the filling.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener, adding a unique flavor and sweetness to the filling of the pie bars.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent similar to cornstarch, providing a smooth texture to the filling.
whipped cream - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, offering a creamy and luscious topping for the pie bars.
Presentation Ideas for Overload Berry Pie Bars
Elevate the crust: Create a delicate and precise cookie crust using chocolate sandwich cookies and unsalted butter, ensuring it is perfectly firm and evenly layered for a flawless base.
Artfully arrange the berries: Meticulously arrange the vibrant blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries on top of the pie bar, creating a visually stunning and appetizing display.
Garnish with fresh berries: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with a selection of fresh mixed berries, enhancing the overall presentation and providing a delightful burst of flavor.
Incorporate whipped cream: Introduce a touch of elegance by serving the pie bars with a dollop of decadent whipped cream, adding a creamy and luxurious element to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Berry Pie Bars
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used to bake items in the oven, such as cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Medium bowl: A bowl of intermediate size used for mixing ingredients or holding food items during cooking or baking.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle used for cooking sauces, soups, and other liquids over direct heat.
- Small bowl: A smaller-sized bowl used for mixing small amounts of ingredients or holding condiments and sauces.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, typically with a handle and several looped wires.
- Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A large, deep bowl used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various recipes.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Berry Pie Bars
- Let the berry pie bars cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store, place the bars in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the berry pie bars:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To thaw frozen berry pie bars, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight.
- Once thawed, you can serve the bars chilled or bring them to room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer a crisper crust after freezing and thawing, you can place the bars on a baking sheet and reheat them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.
How To Reheat Leftover Berry Pie Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover overload berry pie bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the bars loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from browning too much. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The berries should be bubbling and the crust should be crisp. This method is ideal for reheating larger portions of the bars and ensuring that the crust stays crispy.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place an individual overload berry pie bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high power for 15-20 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat the bar, as the berries may become too hot and the crust may soften. This method is best for reheating single servings quickly.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover overload berry pie bars. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the bars are heated through and the crust is crispy. This method is perfect for achieving a crispy crust while quickly reheating the bars.
For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place the leftover overload berry pie bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the bars are warmed through and the berries are bubbling. This method is ideal for reheating a few bars at a time and ensuring that the crust doesn't become too soggy.
If you want to enjoy your leftover overload berry pie bars cold, simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the crust to soften slightly and the flavors of the berries to develop. Cold overload berry pie bars can be a refreshing treat, especially during warm weather.
Interesting Trivia About Berry Pie Bars
The berries in this recipe are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Berries are also a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to this delicious pie bar recipe.
Is Making Overload Berry Pie Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This overload berry pie bar recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and mixed berries, are generally affordable and widely available. The use of chocolate sandwich cookies and whipped cream may slightly increase the cost, but the recipe yields 12 bars, making it suitable for a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, depending on the availability and pricing of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8. The delightful combination of fresh berries and a rich cookie crust makes this recipe a worthwhile and enjoyable treat.
Is This Berry Pie Bar Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This overload berry pie bar recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The crust is made with 48 chocolate sandwich cookies and 12 tablespoons of butter, which are high in sugar, fat, and calories.
- The filling contains ¾ cup of granulated sugar, adding more empty calories to the dish.
- The recipe calls for whipped cream as a topping, which is also high in fat and sugar.
However, the recipe does include a generous amount of berries, which are nutrient-dense and provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the chocolate sandwich cookie crust with a whole grain oat and nut crust, using minimal butter or a healthier alternative like coconut oil.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the berry filling, allowing the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine through. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of whipped cream, opt for a dollop of Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein. You can even flavor the yogurt with a touch of vanilla extract and a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Incorporate more fresh berries into the filling and topping to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Berry Pie Bar Recipe
This berry pie bar recipe is a delightful combination of rich chocolate cookie crust and a burst of mixed berry flavors. The contrast of the crunchy crust with the juicy, sweet-tart berries creates a delightful texture and taste experience. The addition of whipped cream adds a light and creamy element to balance the richness of the pie bars. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Enhance Your Overload Berry Pie Bar Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Berry Pie Bars
Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Overload Berry Pie Bars
Why trust this Overload Berry Pie Bar Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted choice for your berry pie bars because it uses fresh blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to ensure a burst of natural flavors. The combination of cookie crust and a luscious berry filling creates a delightful contrast in textures. With a touch of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream, these bars offer a harmonious blend of sweet and tart notes. The use of cornstarch guarantees a perfectly thickened filling, ensuring a flawless consistency. Trust this recipe to deliver a sensational berry dessert experience.
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