Healthy Blackberry Crumble Bars (Gluten-Free & Vegan)

Why This Recipe Works

Healthy blackberry recipes, such as these Blackberry Crumble Bars, are a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your health goals. Here’s why this recipe works:

1. Versatility: You can easily substitute the blackberries with other kinds of berries or fruits, making it adaptable to your personal preference or seasonal availability. Whether you’re craving tart berries like raspberries or succulent summer fruit like peaches, this recipe can accommodate them all.
2. Balanced Nutrition: With a mix of whole grains from the rolled oats, healthy fats from the coconut oil and almond butter, and the natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, this recipe provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients. It’s a healthier dessert choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
3. Dietary Flexibility: The recipe can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs. If you’re vegan, you can easily swap out honey for maple syrup. For those with gluten sensitivities, replace rolled oats and almond flour with their gluten-free counterparts.
4. Ease of Preparation: Using a food processor to combine the ingredients not only makes the recipe easier but also ensures a consistent texture. The bars are also easy to cut and serve, making them perfect for any occasion.
5. Delicious Outcomes: The end result is a treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. The crisp crumble topping contrasting with the juicy blackberry filling offers a satisfying crunch, while the optional addition of a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt takes it to another level of yumminess.

Ingredient Notes

1. Blackberries: The star ingredient in these bars, you can use either fresh or frozen blackberries. If you choose to use frozen blackberries, be sure to thaw them before pureeing. If you don’t have blackberries on hand, you can substitute them with any other berry or fruit.
2. Rolled Oats: A versatile ingredient, quick-cooking oats can also be used in this recipe. Just be sure not to turn them into flour in the food processor!
3. Almond Flour: This recipe recommends superfine almond flour made from blanched almonds. But you can also use natural almond flour that is ground from whole almonds.
4. Coconut Oil: This forms the base of your crumble and provides a healthy dose of fats. However, if you prefer, grass-fed butter can be a great substitute for coconut oil.
5. Honey: This natural sweetener not only adds a burst of sweetness but also a delightful flavor. Though honey is a preferred choice, the recipe can be adapted using different natural sweeteners. For a vegan version, use maple syrup.
6. Cashew Butter: It gives a nice creamy texture to these bars. Any nut or seed butter works well in this recipe, though cashew or almond butter are the top choices.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the rolled oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt 3-4 times until the oats are slightly ground.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: Melt the coconut oil in a small pot over medium-low heat or in a microwave. Stir in the honey, and cashew butter until smooth.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the food processor and process until everything is well combined.
4. Press Mixture into a Baking Pan: Remove 1 cup of the mixture and set aside for later. This will be used as the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of an 8×8″ baking pan lined with parchment paper. Pierce holes in the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
5. Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes.
6. Make Blackberry Puree: Add the blackberries and tapioca starch to the same food processor (no need to clean it). Pulse to break up the blackberries. For a smoother filling, pulse until the blackberries are completely pureed.
7. Pour Blackberry Puree and Topping: Pour the blackberry puree over the baked crust and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the blackberry puree.
8. Bake Blackberry Oat Crumb Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to set completely.
9. Cut Crumble Bars and Serve: Cut the Blackberry Crumble Bars into squares and enjoy!

Expert Tips

1. Selecting Your Berries: If you can, opt for fresh blackberries. They tend to yield more flavor and have a better texture. If you’re using frozen blackberries, remember to thaw them completely before starting with the recipe.
2. Managing Your Oats: When processing your oats, be cautious not to overdo it. You want them slightly ground, not turned into a flour-like consistency. This will help maintain the deliciously hearty texture in your bars.
3. Vegan Adjustments: If you’re following a vegan diet, swap out the honey with maple syrup. Remember, this might subtly change the taste profile of your bars.
4. Substituting Coconut Oil: If you’re not a fan of coconut oil, grass-fed butter can be an excellent substitute. It can give your crumble a slightly different, but equally delicious, flavor.
5. Choosing Your Nut Butter: While the recipe recommends cashew or almond butter, feel free to experiment with different kinds of nut or seed butter. This is an easy way to introduce new flavors to your bars.
6. Enjoy with a Side: While these bars are delicious on their own, serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate your dessert to a new level. Just remember to account for the added calories if you’re keeping a strict eye on your healthy eating!
7. Patience is Key: After baking, let your Blackberry Crumble Bars cool down and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. This waiting period can be a game-changer for the texture of your bars.

Frequently Asked Questions