Description
These Berry Crumble Bars are a delicious vegan dessert featuring a crumbly oat and flour base topped with a vibrant mixed berry filling and a golden crumble topping. Perfectly balanced with a touch of cinnamon and fresh lemon juice, these bars are baked to perfection and make a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 150 g (1 2/3 cups) rolled porridge oats
- 180 g (1 1/2 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour
- 130 g (3/4 cup) light brown soft sugar
- 1/3 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 175 g (2/3 cup) vegan butter or coconut oil, cubed
- 2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 150 g (5.3 oz) raspberry jam
Fruit
- 400 g (14 oz) mixed fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F, gas mark 5). Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) square baking tin and line it with baking parchment to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, plain flour, baking powder, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Incorporate Vegan Butter: Add the cubed vegan butter or coconut oil to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips, rub it in thoroughly until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, ensuring even coating and texture.
- Form the Base Layer: Reserve about one third of the crumble mixture. Tip the remaining two thirds into the prepared baking tin. Spread out evenly and pack down firmly to create a solid, level base for the bars.
- Bake the Base: Place the tin into the preheated oven and bake the base for approximately 15 minutes, or until it turns golden brown around the edges. This sets the crust for the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the cornflour and fresh lemon juice until you have a smooth paste. Stir in the raspberry jam thoroughly, then gently fold in the mixed fresh berries to coat them well.
- Add the Filling to the Base: Pour the berry and jam filling evenly over the baked base layer, spreading it out level for uniform coverage.
- Top with Remaining Crumble: Scatter the reserved crumble mixture evenly on top of the filling to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Complete Bars: Return the tin to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the crumble topping is golden and the berry filling is bubbling and set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the berry crumble bars to cool completely in the tin. Once cooled, carefully lift them out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.
- Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of fresh berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
- Ensure the vegan butter or coconut oil is chilled to make it easier to rub into the dry ingredients.
- You can substitute raspberry jam with other berry jams if preferred.
- The bars keep well refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: Berry Crumble Bars, Vegan Dessert, Fruit Bars, Baking, Healthy Sweet Snack, Vegan Baking
