Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars with Coconut Frosting: A Delicious Treat for Everyone

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When you’re looking for a treat that’s not just indulgent but also aligns with your dietary needs, finding the perfect recipe can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or just looking to enjoy something that won’t leave you feeling guilty, Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars with Coconut Frosting offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. The buttery almond flour crust, sweet yet tangy blackberry filling, and silky coconut frosting come together in a way that’s both satisfying and wholesome. This article will guide you through every step of making these delicious bars, share tips for perfecting them, and answer common questions.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars

A Treat That’s Kind to Your Diet

Whether you follow a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan lifestyle, these Blackberry Shortbread Bars with Coconut Frosting fit the bill. Unlike many desserts that are packed with refined sugars and artificial ingredients, this recipe uses only natural, whole foods. With maple syrup as a sweetener and almond flour as the base for the crust, these bars allow you to indulge without compromising your health or dietary preferences.

Here’s why you’ll love this dessert:

• Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness, giving you a rich flavor without the refined sugars that often lead to a sugar crash.
• Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Ideal for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those who follow a dairy-free diet.
• Vegan-Friendly: This recipe uses no animal-based products, making it suitable for a vegan diet.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Almond flour and coconut flour pack in fiber and healthy fats, while the coconut oil offers a boost of beneficial medium-chain fatty acids.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From afternoon snacks to special occasions, these bars are perfect for any time you need a treat. The tangy blackberry filling contrasts beautifully with the buttery cookie crust, while the coconut frosting adds an elegant touch, making these bars just as suitable for a party as they are for a cozy evening treat at home.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe

The Ingredients for Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need. The ingredients for the blackberry filling, cookie crust, and frosting are all simple, natural, and easy to find.

Blackberry Filling Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh blackberries	6 oz
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Maple syrup	2 tbsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Tapioca flour (mixed with water)	1 tbsp

Cookie Crust Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Almond flour	2 cups
Coconut flour	2 tbsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Maple syrup	⅓ cup
Melted coconut oil	⅓ cup

Frosting Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Blackberries (for juice)	5
Coconut butter	¼ cup
Maple syrup	2 tbsp
Lemon juice	1 tbsp
Water	1-2 tbsp
Salt	Pinch

How to Make Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking. The process is straightforward and simple, so you’ll be enjoying these bars in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Filling

1. Cook the Filling: Start by placing the blackberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries begin to break down and release their juices.
2. Thicken the Mixture: Mix the tapioca flour with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Stir this into the blackberry mixture and cook for another minute, or until the filling thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the blackberry filling cool for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the crust.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Crust

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, and salt. Stir well to make sure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Mix everything together until you have a dough-like consistency.
3. Assemble the Bars: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
4. Add the Blackberry Filling: Once the filling has cooled, spread it evenly over the cookie crust.
5. Top with the Remaining Crust: Take the remaining dough and press small pieces over the blackberry filling, gently pressing the edges together. This will form the top crust of the bars.
6. Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven set to 325°F (163°C). Bake for 35 minutes or until the bars are golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Prepare the Frosting

1. Cook the Blackberries: In a small pan, cook the blackberries over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juice.
2. Strain the Blackberry Juice: Pour the cooked blackberries through a fine mesh strainer to collect the juice. Discard any solids.
3. Make the Frosting: In a small bowl, combine the blackberry juice with coconut butter, maple syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Add water a little at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
4. Stir Until Smooth: Mix everything together until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Set

1. Frost the Bars: Once the bars have cooled completely, pour the blackberry coconut frosting evenly over the top of the bars.
2. Chill: Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the frosting to set and become firm.

Tips for Perfecting Your Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars

To make sure your bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use Fresh Blackberries for Best Flavor

While frozen blackberries can be used in a pinch, fresh blackberries will give your filling the best flavor and texture. Fresh berries also have a vibrant color that will make your bars look even more appealing.

2. Substitute Coconut Butter if Needed

If you don’t have coconut butter, you can substitute it with dairy-free cream cheese or vegan butter for a slightly different texture. However, coconut butter provides a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the blackberry and lemon.

3. Chill the Bars to Set the Frosting

Allowing the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour is crucial for the frosting to set properly. This will help the bars hold together better when you slice them.

4. Experiment with Other Berries

While blackberries offer a beautiful tartness that complements the sweetness of the crust and frosting, you can easily swap them for other berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Each variety will offer a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment.

5. Add a Crunch with Chopped Nuts

If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle some chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top of the frosting before refrigerating. This adds texture and makes the bars even more irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are these gluten-free blackberry shortbread bars vegan?

Yes! These bars are entirely plant-based, with no animal-derived ingredients, making them a perfect treat for anyone following a vegan diet.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

If you prefer not to use maple syrup, you can substitute it with agave syrup, honey, or any other liquid sweetener. Just keep in mind that each sweetener has its own distinct flavor, which will slightly affect the final taste of your bars.

Can I make these bars with other berries?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses blackberries, you can easily swap them out for other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or even blueberries. Just adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the berries you choose.

How long do these bars last?

These bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion: Indulge Without the Guilt

These Gluten-Free Blackberry Shortbread Bars with Coconut Frosting are the ultimate guilt-free dessert that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan diet—or simply looking for a healthier way to indulge—these bars hit the mark. The combination of almond flour crust, blackberry filling, and coconut frosting creates a dessert that is as delicious as it is wholesome.

Don’t wait to try this recipe for yourself. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a treat that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—either way, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Happy baking!

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