Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks
Make rich, savory Vegan Philly Cheesesteaks with mushrooms or seitan, creamy vegan cheese sauce, and...
50
total time
9
servings
50 kcal
calories
Introduction
Welcome to Wellness by Kayâs kitchen, where simple ingredients transform into comforting, plant-based desserts. These Vegan Berry Crumble Bars are the kind of treat you can bake on a lazy weekend and share with friends during weekday afternoons. They combine a tender, oat-based crust with a bright berry filling and a cinnamon-kissed crumble topping, all dairy-free and naturally sweetened. The goal is to create a snack or dessert that feels indulgent without compromising your wellness goals. By using wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and seasonal berries, you get a dessert thatâs satisfying, fiber-rich, and rich in flavor. Gluten-free options are easy to achieve by choosing certified gluten-free oats and almond flour. The bars stay neatly in slices, making them perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or a quick post-workout reward. This article walks you through what to buy, how to assemble, and how to customize so the bars fit your pantry and dietary preferences. Whether youâre vegan-curious, a longtime plant-based baker, or simply looking for a reliable make-ahead treat, this recipe is built to be approachable and adaptable. Letâs start with the why and the what, then move into the method so you can bake with confidence and ease.
Why You'll Love These Vegan Berry Crumble Bars
These bars earn their keep in more ways than one. First, they deliver on taste: the berry filling offers tart, bright notes that balance the sweet, nutty crust and crumb topping. The oats and almond flour give a sturdy, moist bite that holds together beautifully when sliced. Second, theyâre dairy-free and vegan by design, making them a friendly option for family gatherings, potlucks, or school snacks. You wonât miss conventional butter or eggs because healthy fats come from simple ingredients like coconut oil or neutral-tiber fat options, while the natural sweetness comes from coconut sugar or maple syrup. Third, theyâre versatile. Use your favorite berriesâstrawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or a mixâand even swap in frozen berries when fresh arenât in season. The nutritional profile leans toward fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, especially if you choose almond flour over more refined alternatives. Fourth, theyâre convenient for make-ahead meals. The bars can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer-term enjoyment. Finally, this recipe is adaptable for gluten-free diets by selecting certified gluten-free oats. In short, these vegan berry crumble bars are a balanced, crowd-pleasing option that doesnât compromise flavor for health.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Crust and Crumble Base: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed), 1/2 cup almond flour, 2-3 tablespoons coconut sugar or pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted) or light olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Filling: 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or cornstarch. Topping: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup almond flour, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Optional add-ins: a tablespoon chia seeds or flax meal for extra fiber, a pinch of sea salt to intensify flavors. Substitutions: For a lower-sugar version, reduce coconut sugar by 1-2 tablespoons and rely on the natural sweetness of berries. If nut-free is needed, substitute almond flour with sunflower seed meal and use a different fat option like melted dairy-free butter substitute. To keep crust crumbly rather than chewy, adjust the oil by a teaspoon or two. For gluten-free guests, ensure oats are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination during mixing. This section covers a flexible framework so you can tailor the bars to your pantry without sacrificing texture or taste.
Equipment and Prep Tips
To ensure clean cuts and easy removal from the pan, line a 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides to lift the bars out later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather a medium bowl for the crust, a separate bowl for the filling, and a small saucepan for melting the oil. A whisk and a spatula help with smooth mixing. Measuring cups and spoons keep the ratios accurate for consistent results. If you donât have a food processor, you can finely chop the oats and almonds with a knife or use a sturdy blender to combine the crust ingredients. When the crust comes together, press it evenly into the pan to form a compact base; this helps the bars slice cleanly once baked. If you prefer a crisper crumble, you can bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the berry filling to start the set. Finally, prepare the berry filling ahead of time so the flavors can mingle while the crust firms up. These practical steps help you achieve a bakery-quality result at home and keep your kitchen organized for a smooth baking session. âWellness by Kayâ recipes emphasize simple steps and mindful substitutions to support plant-based, wholesome eating habits without stress.
Gathering Ingredients
Gathering ingredients is the first step toward delicious, reliable bars. Start with quality berries; fresh berries offer bright, natural sweetness, while frozen berries work beautifully when youâre not in peak berry season. If using frozen berries, thaw and drain them lightly so the filling doesnât turn watery. Choose a mix of berries for depth of flavor; strawberries provide juicy pockets, blueberries add gentle sweetness, and raspberries give a tart counterpoint. For the crust and crumble, select rolled oats and almond flour to achieve the familiar crumble texture thatâs both hearty and nourishing. If you have dietary restrictions, this is where substitutions come in: gluten-free oats, gluten-free certified labels, and dairy-free fats like coconut oil all play well with this recipe. Keep a few pantry staples on handâcoconut sugar or maple syrup for natural sweetness, vanilla extract for warmth, and lemon zest or lemon juice to brighten the filling. A pinch of cinnamon in the topping can elevate the aroma and complement the berry tang. Donât overlook the importance of good oil: a light coconut oil or a mild olive oil ensures the crust isnât greasy but remains rich. Finally, gather your parchment, measuring tools, and a reliable spatula; the right tools make the process smoother and the cleanup easier. Ready to assemble, youâll see how the ingredients come together in a way thatâs both comforting and wholesome, ideal for vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets.
Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust: in a bowl, mix the rolled oats, almond flour, salt, and coconut sugar. Stir in the melted coconut oil and vanilla until a cohesive crumb forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water or another teaspoon of oil until it clumps. Press this crust evenly into the prepared pan, creating a firm, flat base. Bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes, or just until it begins to take on a light golden color. While the crust bakes, prepare the berry filling. In a separate bowl, toss the berries with lemon juice, lemon zest, and arrowroot starch. The starch helps thicken the filling as it bakes, producing that glossy, jammy center. Once the crust has set and cooled slightly, spread the berry filling over the warm base. Next, prepare the crumble topping: combine oats, almond flour, cinnamon, coconut sugar, and melted coconut oil until you have a coarse, sandy texture. Sprinkle this topping generously over the berry filling. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the berries are bubbling at the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing. These steps yield uniform bars with a satisfying textureâthe crust, the juicy filling, and the crumb topping each contributing their own delicious chew and crunch.
Baking and Cooling
Slide the assembled bars into a preheated oven and bake until the top is golden and the filling looks glossy around the edges, typically 30-40 minutes depending on your oven and pan size. If the edges darken before the center cooks, cover lightly with foil for the remaining time to prevent over-browning. Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes; then transfer the pan to a cooling rack and allow the bars to cool completely. Chilling helps them firm up further, which makes slicing easier and cleaner. Once cooled, lift the whole slab from the pan using the parchment overhang and place it on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into even bars or squares. If you prefer slimmer bars, you can cut with a gentle sawing motion to avoid mashing the crumble topping. These steps ensure you get clean edges and a cohesive bite. For serving, you can dust lightly with extra coconut sugar, serve with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt, or pair with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a dinner-party-friendly dessert. Storing them, youâll notice their flavors deepen after a day or two, making this a great make-ahead option for busy weeks. In short, patience in cooling translates to perfect texture in every bite.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The beauty of vegan berry crumble bars lies in their versatility and storage-friendly nature. Once completely cooled, wrap the bars tightly in parchment or place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Refrigerate for up to 5 days for a firm, sliceable texture and a cool, refreshing taste. For longer storage, freeze individual bars on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag; theyâll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick, ready-to-eat treat. If you want to keep the bars ultra-fresh, consider adding a lemon glaze or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These bars are also adaptable for batch meal-prep: bake a larger pan, cool fully, then portion into daily servings. For variations, try swapping some of the oats for a different gluten-free flour blend or add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different berry ratios to emphasize tart or sweet notes according to your preference. The key to successful make-ahead vegan desserts is maintaining moisture balance and letting the bars rest so the flavors meld together.f Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing flavor.
Final Presentation
Serving suggestions elevate the experience of vegan berry crumble bars. Present slices on a clean wooden board or a light platter with a few fresh berries scattered around and a mint leaf for color. Pair the bars with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels indulgent while staying light. The bars make a fantastic brunch accompanimentâcut them into small squares and arrange on a platter with lemon zest curls for a bright, inviting look. If youâre serving them at a party, stack a row of bars with parchment between each to prevent sticking and keep them neatly arranged. For a more refined finish, dust with a touch of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of berry coulis. Nutritionally, these bars are rich in fiber from oats and berries, with healthy fats from almond flour and coconut oil. They fit well into plant-based meal plans and are especially satisfying for those seeking gluten-free or dairy-free options without compromising on flavor. Enjoy these bars as a nourishing snack, a dessert, or a wholesome addition to your next gathering, knowing they were crafted with simple, wholesome ingredients and a lot of care by Wellness by Kay.
Vegan Berry Crumble Bars by Wellness by Kay
Wholesome vegan berry crumble bars with oats, almond flour, and a crisp crumble topping. Dairy-free, gluten-free options, perfect for snacks and desserts.
total time
50
servings
9
calories
50 kcal
ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats đŸ
- 1 cup almond flour đ°
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil đ„„
- 1/4 cup maple syrup đ
- 1/4 cup almond milk đ„
- Pinch of sea salt đ§
- 2 cups mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) đđ«
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice đ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract đš
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch đ„
instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine oats, almond flour, and salt; stir in melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla until a sticky dough forms.
- Press two-thirds of the crust into the prepared pan to form an even base; set the rest aside for the topping.
- In a small saucepan, simmer berries with lemon juice until they release juice and start to thicken; whisk in cornstarch and cook until glossy.
- Pour the berry filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Crumble the remaining crust on top and bake for 25â30 minutes until golden.
- Let cool completely, then cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
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