If you’re anything like me and love a dessert that’s both wholesome and deeply satisfying, you’re going to adore this Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the perfect balance of a tender, nutty base, a vibrant, juicy berry filling, and a crisp, crumbly topping that adds just the right amount of texture. The combination of fresh or frozen berries with natural sweeteners makes every bite taste like a little celebration of summer’s best flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy treat to enjoy with coffee or a charming dish to bring to a gathering, these bars are an absolute delight that’s as simple to make as it is to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make the Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe means gathering a handful of simple and natural ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and overall deliciousness. They’re easy to find and combine beautifully to create a dessert that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
- Almond flour: Provides a rich, slightly nutty base that keeps the bars moist and gluten-free.
- Oat flour: Adds a subtle earthiness and tenderness to both the crust and crumble topping.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor depth and balances the sweetness.
- Refined coconut oil: Adds moisture and a delicate crispness without overpowering the berry flavors.
- Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the berries beautifully and gives a touch of caramel notes.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and richness to the whole bar.
- Mixed berries (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient that brightens the bars with juicy tartness and vibrant color.
- Water: Helps the berries cook down smoothly into a luscious filling.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the berry mixture so it stays delightfully in place without being runny.
- Oats: Adds a rustic texture and wholesome crunch to the crumble topping.
How to Make Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly ready for baking when your layers are assembled. This simple step ensures every layer cooks evenly, giving that ideal balance of softness and crunch in your bars.
Step 2: Make the Base Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, salt, melted refined coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir everything together until the mixture holds together nicely but is still crumbly. Press this evenly into an 8×8 inch baking dish to form the base—it should be firm but not overly packed, creating a tender foundation for the berries.
Step 3: Prepare the Berry Filling
Next, gently heat your mixed berries in a saucepan with maple syrup and a splash of water until they soften and release their juices. Use a potato masher or fork to gently crush the berries, then sprinkle in cornstarch and stir until the mixture thickens slightly. Take it off the heat and let it cool—this step is key to ensuring your filling sets well without dripping.
Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping
In another bowl, mix together oat flour, oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The topping should feel crumbly but also come together when pressed, ready to add an irresistible texture contrast once baked.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the cooled berry filling evenly over the crust layer in your baking dish. Then sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the berries, covering them completely but without pressing down. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy around the edges while the filling bubbles subtly beneath.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe to cool fully at room temperature. This resting time helps the berry filling set further and makes the bars easier to cut neatly. Slice into generous squares and get ready to enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of toasted nuts can elevate the visual appeal and add delightful texture. Fresh mint leaves also brighten the plate and add a refreshing contrast that highlights the natural berry tartness.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a truly decadent experience. A warm cup of herbal tea or a creamy oat milk latte also complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve your bars on a wooden cutting board alongside fresh berries and edible flowers. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized squares to create a charming dessert platter that’s perfect for sharing at parties or afternoon tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they will last up to a week without losing their tender crumb and vibrant filling.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, simply thaw the bars at room temperature and pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive the crisp crumble topping and soften the filling. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use any type of berries for the vegan berry crumble bars recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix work beautifully. Just adjust the sweetness depending on the tartness of your chosen berries for best results.
Is it necessary to use refined coconut oil?
Refined coconut oil is preferred since it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the delicate berry filling. However, unrefined can be used if you love a hint of coconut in the final bars.
What can I substitute for oat flour if I don’t have any on hand?
Ground rolled oats make a great substitute and offer similar texture and flavor. Just pulse them in a food processor until they reach a flour-like consistency.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be golden brown and crisp to the eye, and you may see the berry filling bubbling slightly around the edges. It’s the perfect balance of cooked through without drying out.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, simply swap almond flour for more oat flour or a seed flour like sunflower seed flour. The texture will be slightly different but still deliciously tender and crumbly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe has been a joy to share with you because it’s such an easy and rewarding way to enjoy a wholesome dessert that feels indulgent without any fuss. I hope you find these bars as irresistible as I do and that they soon become a beloved part of your baking repertoire, heartily enjoyed by friends, family, and especially your sweet tooth!
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Vegan Berry Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Berry Crumble Bars are a delightful and wholesome treat, featuring a tender almond and oat flour base topped with a luscious berry filling and a crunchy oat crumble. Perfect for a healthy dessert or snack, these bars are naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and use refined coconut oil for a light texture. Suitable for vegan diets, they combine fresh or frozen berries with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying, fruity crumble experience.
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup melted refined coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Berry Filling:
- 1 cup berries, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup oats
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted refined coconut oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare Base: In a bowl, mix together almond flour, oat flour, salt, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into an 8×8 inch baking dish to form the base layer.
- Make Berry Filling: In a small pot, heat the berries along with maple syrup and water until the berries soften. Mash the mixture gently and stir in cornstarch to thicken. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: Combine oat flour, oats, almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl and mix until crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the cooled berry filling evenly over the base in the baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the berry layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- Use refined coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor if preferred.
- If berries are frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
- The bars keep well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For gluten-free version, ensure oats and oat flour are certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup or another liquid sweetener.
