Amazing Vegan Berry Crumble Bars You’ll Crave
Deliciously Fruity Crumble Bars
In the kitchen of my childhood, vibrant flavors danced alongside cherished traditions. Growing up in Orlando, I would spend hours preparing meals with my mama, soaking up the wisdom of my abuela and her unforgettable, soul-warming Mexican recipes. Each dish became a story, a memory built with love, laughter, and the delightful aromas that filled our home. While Orlando remains my base, a piece of my heart is forever tied to the bustling markets and the spice-rich kitchens of Oaxaca. Through every recipe I share, I bring you the essence of real Mexican flavors—like the comforting Vegan Berry Crumble Bars, a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 9 bars
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Vegan/Mexican
- Best Season: Year-round
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Flavor-packed Delight: These Vegan Berry Crumble Bars are bursting with the sweet and tangy essence of berries, harmonizing beautifully with the buttery oat crumble. Each bite is a balance that satisfies your cravings for something sweet yet wholesome.
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these bars come together quickly. Even beginners will find comfort in crafting this delightful treat without any fuss.
- Versatile Ingredient List: Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries or even try adding nuts for an extra crunch. The adaptability of this recipe lets you personalize it according to your tastes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy evening at home, these crumble bars make for an ideal dessert. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—they’re that good!
Essentials for Your Crumble Bars
- 1 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/3 cup melted refined coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup (for berries)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup oat flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup oats
- 2 tbsp almond flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup melted refined coconut oil (for topping)
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
- Pinch of salt (for topping)
Ingredient Insights
- Almond Flour: A gluten-free alternative that lends a subtle nuttiness and moisture to the bars.
- Oat Flour: Blended from whole oats, it creates a wholesome flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
- Maple Syrup: This natural sweetener enhances the dishes’ sweetness without overpowering the flavors of the berries.
- Coconut Oil: Provides a rich, buttery richness while keeping the recipe plant-based.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Start with the base layer. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, and salt.
- Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well-blended.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased or lined 8×8 baking dish, pressing it down evenly to form the base. Set aside.
- For the berry layer, add the berries, maple syrup, and water to a medium pot.
- Over low to medium heat, cook the berries until they start to soften, mashing with a potato masher or fork to eliminate large chunks.
- Stir in cornstarch and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Place it in the fridge to thicken further.
- Prepare the crumble topping by combining oats, oat flour, almond flour, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until it resembles a crumbly texture. Set aside.
- Once the berry mixture has cooled, pour it over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble the topping over the berries, squeezing chunks together with your fingers before placing them on top for a rustic look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Make sure your berries are ripe for the best flavor. Fresh or frozen both work well, but frozen berries might need a little extra cooking time.
- When mixing, avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender and airy.
- For extra flair, sprinkle a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the berry mixture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from crumbling.
Fun Recipe Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the berry mixture for a surprising kick.
- Seasonal Fruits: Swap out the berries for seasonal fruits such as peaches in the summer or apples in the fall.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the bars by drizzling with melted dark chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve these delightful Vegan Berry Crumble Bars with your favorite plant-based ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A cup of chamomile or green tea complements the sweetness perfectly, creating a cozy atmosphere for an afternoon treat.
Preparing Ahead & Freezing Tips
You can prepare the base and berry layers ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to three days. The crumble topping can also be made ahead and kept in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze individual squares for a tasty treat later!
Great Serving Ideas
Serve these bars on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re perfect for potlucks, and family gatherings, or simply to enjoy during a cozy evening in.
Kitchen Insights
- Always use ripe and fresh berries for a burst of flavor and sweetness.
- Ensure the butter/coconut oil is not too hot when combining with dry ingredients to avoid clumping.
- The berry mixture can be adjusted with more or less maple syrup depending on your sweetness preference.
- Experimenting with different fruit combinations can lead to delightful surprises!
Storing and Reheating Tips
For optimal texture, store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them gently on the stove. This will keep them moist and delicious, ready to enjoy at any time!
Commonly Asked Questions
- Can I use different flours? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almond flour with spelt flour or gluten-free flour blends.
- What if I can’t find fresh berries? Frozen berries work wonderfully, just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using.
- How can I make it sweeter? Increase the amount of maple syrup in both the base and berry layer to suit your taste.
- Is it possible to add spices? Yes! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavors in your berry mixture wonderfully.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftover bars in the fridge tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure your oat flour is gluten-free.
Nutrition Info
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approximately 175
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 23g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.
A Warm Reflection
Cooking isn’t just a chore; it’s a heartfelt tradition that echoes the love we share with those around us. Each recipe becomes a part of our story, bringing fragrance, warmth, and memories into our homes. With every Vegan Berry Crumble Bar you create, share a piece of that legacy, where food becomes a bridge between cultures, flavors, and generations.
Ending on a Delicious Note
These Vegan Berry Crumble Bars are an enchanting blend of flavors and textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo. Invite the joy of cooking into your kitchen, create these bars, and feel the comfort that comes from every bite. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and pin your favorites so you can savor them again!
Vegan Berry Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Flavor-packed Vegan Berry Crumble Bars bursting with sweet and tangy berries, harmonizing beautifully with a buttery oat crumble.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup oat flour
- 1/3 cup melted refined coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup (for berries)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup oat flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup oats
- 2 tbsp almond flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup melted refined coconut oil (for topping)
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (for topping)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
- Pinch of salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, oat flour, and salt for the base layer.
- Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well-blended.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased or lined 8×8 baking dish, pressing it down evenly to form the base. Set aside.
- In a medium pot, add the berries, maple syrup, and water for the berry layer.
- Cook the berries over low to medium heat until they start to soften, mashing with a potato masher or fork.
- Stir in cornstarch and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and place in the fridge to thicken further.
- For the crumble topping, combine oats, oat flour, almond flour, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until it resembles a crumbly texture.
- Pour the cooled berry mixture over the base layer, spreading it evenly.
- Crumble the topping over the berries, placing chunks on top for a rustic look.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the bars cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to mix and match your favorite berries or try adding nuts for an extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan/Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
