Vegan Berry Crumble Bars

Ingredients

The Base

• 1 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup melted refined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

The Filling

• 1 cup berries, fresh or frozen
• 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch

The 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 on the next page 👇👇

Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensuring that your oven is properly preheated is crucial for that tremendous texture in your crumble bars.

2. Prepare the Base Layer
   In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, oat flour, and salt. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients thoroughly.

3. Mix with Wet Ingredients
   Add in the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to combine these ingredients until they form a cohesive dough.

4. Press into Baking Dish
   Grease or line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into this dish and flatten it evenly across the bottom. This forms the sturdy base for your bars. Set aside while you move on to the berry layer.

5. Prepare the Berry Layer
   In a small pot, add the berries, maple syrup, and water. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat. As the berries begin to soften, mash them gently with a potato masher or fork to eliminate any large chunks. This step is crucial for achieving that tremendous layer of berry goodness.

6. Thicken the Berry Mixture
   Add the cornstarch to the berry mixture and allow it to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally, and you’ll notice the mixture thickening as it cooks. Once thickened, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool in the fridge. This will help it to thicken even more.

7. Prepare the Crumble Topping
   In another bowl, combine the oats, oat flour, almond flour, and a pinch of salt. Once combined, add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is crumbly but cohesive.

8. Assemble the Bars
   Take the cooled berry mixture from the fridge and pour it over the base layer. Spread it evenly to cover the base. Then, taking small handfuls of the crumble topping, squeeze the mixture between your fingers to combine and flatten a bit before sprinkling it evenly over the berry layer.

9. Bake to Perfection
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the filling to be bubbling slightly.

10. Cool and Slice
    Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. This step is challenging, but trust me—it’s worth it! Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares and enjoy!

Continue reading on the next page 👇👇

Pro Tips for Success

1. Choose Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients, such as pure maple syrup and fresh berries, makes a tremendous difference in flavor. When the fruits are ripe and in season, their natural sweetness shines through.

2. Don’t Rush Cooling

Allowing your berry bars to cool completely is crucial. If you are tempted to slice while it’s warm, the filling might not hold together properly, affecting the overall texture.

3. Explore Berry Options

Feel free to experiment with various fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or even a mix add excitement. Each berry has its unique flavor profile and can bring a special twist to your dish.

Storage and Freshness

1. Store Properly

To maintain their freshness, store the bars in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.

2. Refrigerate for Longevity

Keeping your crumble bars in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life. They can stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly.

3. Enjoy as a Snack or Dessert

These bars work wonderfully as a snack on the go or as a dessert after a meal. Pair them with a scoop of vegan yogurt or a dollop of almond cream for a delightful treat.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Vegan Berry Crumble Bars are not only a fantastic homage to comforting desserts, but they also exemplify a blend of health and flavor. The tremendous texture of the crumbly topping combined with the juicy berry filling creates a delightful experience that blends sweetness with nostalgia.

Have you tried making these bars yet? What variations do you plan to experiment with? Your kitchen adventures could bring tremendous joy not only to you but also to those who get to enjoy your creations!