These quick and easy bars are absolutely delicious and stunning to look at. Your friends and family will be impressed and won’t even know that they are vegan, soy free and easily made gluten free.  Now is the perfect time to make them with all the berries we have available here in Michigan.

Fruit and Coconut Bars

BOTTOM:

• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened coconut
• ¾ cup whole wheat pastry flour or gluten free flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup nondairy milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

FILLING:

• 1 cup spreadable all-fruit jam or fresh fruit cooked and thickened

TOPPING:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour or gluten free flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Bottom Layer:
2. Combine coconut, flour, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Whisk together milk, maple syrup, oil, and vanilla in a separate medium bowl.
4. Mix milk mixture into coconut mixture; press into prepared pan.

Fruit Layer:

1. Heat jam in microwave for 30 seconds; pour over the prepared bottom layer. Alternatively, use leftover Fruit Sauce (no reheating required).

Topping:

1. Combine topping ingredients in a medium bowl; using hands, mix together until resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Sprinkle topping over fruit layer; press gently.
3. Bake 28 to 30 minutes, until topping is light golden brown.
   Allow to cool completely; cut into small bars and serve.