0 Shares

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, sun-kissed aroma of strawberries bursting with flavor as they bake into a warm, gooey filling. Just the other day, I found myself surrounded by a bounty of beautiful, ripe strawberries, and an idea struck me. I realized it was time to create something both simple and incredible: Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars. These delightful treats are perfect for those hectic weekday afternoons or when company drops by unexpectedly.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a chewy, jammy layer of fresh strawberries, embraced by a crispy, buttery oat topping that crumbles just right. These bars are not only easy to whip up, but they also offer a guilt-free indulgence that even the pickiest of eaters won’t be able to resist. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with fruity goodness, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why are Strawberry Crumble Bars a Must-Try?

Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these bars ready in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The fresh strawberries provide a sweet-tart filling that beautifully complements the crispy oat topping, making each bite a delight.
Versatile: Easily switch up the fruits or add nuts and spices based on your preference, making these bars perfect for any occasion.
Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy a satisfying dessert that remains plant-based without compromising on taste or texture.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a potluck, these bars will have everyone asking for seconds!

Strawberry Crumble Bars Ingredients

For the Filling
• Strawberries – Fresh, washed, hulled, and roughly chopped; they provide the fruity filling that makes these vegan crumble bars shine.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling; feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the strawberry filling; you can also use arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option.
• Lemon Zest – Adds brightness to the filling; always use freshly grated zest for the best flavor boost.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for that perfect touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract – Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes; opt for quality vanilla to elevate the taste.

For the Crumble Topping
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides essential structure to the crumble; substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Rolled Oats – Forms the crispy topping; quick oats may work but will alter the texture.
• Sea Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Soft Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a touch of caramel; coconut sugar makes a great substitute.
• Vegan Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the crumble topping; coconut oil works well for a dairy-free alternative.

How to Make Strawberry Crumble Bars

Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″ rectangular baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean-up once baked.
Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped strawberries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss gently to coat and set it aside so the flavors meld beautifully.
Make Crumble: In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, sea salt, and brown sugar. Pour in the melted vegan butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly, leaving some larger clumps for extra texture.
Assemble: Press approximately ¾ of the crumble mixture into the baking pan to form a sturdy base. Evenly spread the strawberry filling over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble topping atop the filling.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the strawberry filling is bubbling joyfully.
Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time is essential for getting clean, neat slices and a perfectly set filling.

Optional: Serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Helpful Tricks for Strawberry Crumble Bars

Quality Strawberries: Choose in-season strawberries for the best flavor. Overripe or underripe berries can lead to a bland filling.
Mind the Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process—allow at least 2 hours. This ensures the filling sets properly for clean slicing.
Stay Consistent: Slice bars with a sharp knife for clean cuts, avoiding a mess. Greasing the knife can help if the filling is sticky.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Adding spices like cinnamon or substitutions such as different fruits can personalize your vegan crumble bars.
Avoid Overmixing: While making the crumble topping, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the topping tough instead of crumbly.
Perfect Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This maintains their texture and freshness for up to 5 days.

Strawberry Crumble Bars Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor these bars to your taste—there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting for you!

Mixed Berries: Swap out strawberries for a blend of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a vibrant, colorful filling.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend to ensure everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or almonds into the crumble mixture to add a delightful nutty crunch complementing the soft filling.
Chocolate Delight: Stir in dark chocolate chips into the crumble for a touch of decadence that pairs beautifully with the fruity layers.
Spiced Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumble mixture for an aromatic twist that elevates the warm flavors.
Tropical Vibe: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple instead of strawberries for a refreshing tropical take that’s perfect for summer.
Maple Sweetness: Substitute granulated sugar with pure maple syrup in the filling for a deeper, richer sweetness that adds a unique flavor.
Heat for Fun: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an unexpected spicy kick that plays beautifully with the sweetness.

What to Serve with Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars?

These delightful bars are the centerpiece of a perfect dessert spread that will tantalize your taste buds.

Vegan Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping, it complements the rich crumble beautifully, adding a touch of indulgence.
Coconut Ice Cream: Creamy and refreshing, coconut ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm strawberry filling, making each bite a tropical escape.
Fruit Salad: A fresh mix of seasonal fruits adds a vibrant touch, enhancing the fruity flavors and providing a burst of color to your table.
Almond Biscotti: The crunchy texture of biscotti offers a delicious contrast to the soft crumble bars, perfect for dipping in coffee or tea.
Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall experience with each bite.
Mint Tea: This soothing beverage balances the sweetness of the bars with refreshing notes, making it an ideal way to cleanse the palate.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A touch of dark chocolate creates a rich flavor harmony, adding a decadent twist to the already delicious crumble bars.
Sparkling Water with Lime: A zesty, fizzy drink enhances the fruitiness of the bars and keeps the meal light and refreshing.

Storage Tips for Strawberry Crumble Bars

Fridge: Store leftover strawberry crumble bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick treat.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months frozen.

Thawing: To enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer warm bars, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores that delightful crispy topping.

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the strawberry filling up to 24 hours in advance by combining the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla in a bowl and refrigerating it. Additionally, you can make the crumble topping mix (flour, oats, sea salt, brown sugar, and melted vegan butter) up to 3 days before baking and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply press the crust into your pan, top with the filling, sprinkle on the crumble, and bake as directed. This will ensure your bars are just as delicious and fresh, with minimal effort on the day you plan to enjoy them!

Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars Recipe FAQs

What kind of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries that are in season. Look for berries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Avoid those with dark spots or mold, as they may be past their prime. If you can, opt for local strawberries from farmers’ markets—they’re often fresher and have a sweeter taste!

How should I store leftover strawberry crumble bars?
To keep your Vegan Strawberry Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their delicious flavor and chewy texture. If you want to enjoy them later, I recommend wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the fridge.

Can I freeze strawberry crumble bars?
Very! Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze your bars, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.

What should I do if my bars are too crumbly when cutting?
No worries—this can happen! If your bars are too crumbly, it’s usually a sign that they haven’t cooled long enough. Give them at least 2 hours to set. If they still fall apart, try using a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. You can also try refrigerating them for a bit before slicing to firm them up.

Are these bars safe for my pet?
Absolutely not! While strawberries are safe for most dogs in small amounts, avoid giving them crumble bars as they contain sugar and vegan butter, which aren’t healthy for pets. Always stick to natural, pet-friendly treats without additives.

What can I use instead of granulated sugar?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar works beautifully as a substitute in the strawberry filling and topping. It has a rich flavor and lower glycemic index, making it a fantastic choice! Just use the same amount as the granulated sugar in the recipe.