As summer winds down, I’ve been reflecting on all the fresh, fruity, and fun recipes I’ve whipped up over the past few months—like my s’mores cookie cups and feta turkey burgers. But before we fully dive into cozy fall baking, I’ve got one more summer treat that’s too good not to share: Vegan Berry Crumble Bars.
These bars are the perfect sweet send-off to summer. With a soft cookie-like almond oat base, a juicy mixed berry filling, and a golden oat crumble topping, they strike the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome. Plus, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened—so you can feel great about enjoying them all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These bars come together with a few simple, healthy pantry staples:
Base Layer
- Almond Flour – Adds richness and a soft texture. My go-to gluten-free flour!
- Oat Flour – Naturally gluten-free and adds a light, fluffy crumb. (Make your own by blending rolled oats!)
- Pure Maple Syrup – My favorite natural sweetener.
- Refined Coconut Oil – Keeps things moist and buttery without the coconut flavor.
- Vanilla Extract + Salt – For that classic dessert flavor.
Berry Layer
- Mixed Berries – Use fresh or frozen! I used a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, but strawberries work too.
- Maple Syrup – Just a touch to bring out the natural sweetness.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the berry layer into a jammy, delicious filling.
Crumble Topping
- Same wholesome ingredients as the base, with the addition of:
- Old-Fashioned Oats – For that classic crumble texture.
How to Make Vegan Berry Crumble Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8×8 baking dish.
- Make the base layer: In a bowl, mix almond flour, oat flour, and salt. Add in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish and set aside.
- Prepare the berry filling: In a small pot, combine berries, maple syrup, and water. Heat over medium and mash gently as the berries begin to soften. Add cornstarch and simmer until thickened (about 5–10 minutes). Transfer to a bowl and chill in the fridge while you make the topping.
- Make the crumble topping: In a bowl, mix oat flour, oats, almond flour, and salt. Stir in the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until crumbly.
- Assemble: Spread the berry mixture over the base, then top with crumble. Press small chunks of the crumble together with your fingers for a perfect topping.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Triple-layered deliciousness: Soft cookie base, fruity filling, crunchy oat topping.
- Wholesome ingredients: Vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.
- Flexible & seasonal: Use fresh or frozen berries—whatever you’ve got on hand!
- Perfect anytime: Enjoy as a snack, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
More Healthy Desserts You’ll Love:
- Peanut Butter Crunch Cups
- Granola & Berries Frozen Yogurt Bars
- Healthy Chocolate Coconut Granola
- PB&J Cookie Sandwiches
Vegan Berry Crumble Bars
Gluten-Free | Vegan | Refined Sugar-Free
Yields: 16 bars
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
Base:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup oat flour
- ⅓ cup melted refined coconut oil
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Berry Middle:
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tsp cornstarch
Oat Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup oat flour
- ¼ cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- ¼ cup melted refined coconut oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Make the Base:
In a bowl, mix almond flour, oat flour, and salt.
Add melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Set aside. - Prepare the Berry Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine berries, maple syrup, and water.
Cook until berries soften, then mash slightly.
Stir in cornstarch and simmer for 5–10 minutes, until thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool in the fridge while making the topping. - Make the Crumble Topping:
In a bowl, mix oat flour, oats, almond flour, and salt.
Add coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir to form a crumbly mixture. - Assemble:
Spread the cooled berry mixture over the base.
Crumble the topping over the berry layer by squeezing chunks together and scattering them. - Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Enjoy!