Blackberry crumble bars are a healthy, gluten free treat that will instantly make you think of summer. With a hearty oat crust, sweet blackberries and a toasted crumble topping, you’ll be making these bars on repeat.
It’s my birthday today, and I’m celebrating with these blackberry crumble bars!
Typically, my go-to birthday treat is Funfetti cake or cupcakes. But I wanted to switch things up a bit this year and try something new.
I love fruit based desserts {like these raspberry jam bars or these rhubarb cheesecake bars} and I really love a good crumble topping. I had picked up a package of blackberries the other day at the grocery store because they were on sale and looked delicious. After a second take, I thought they would make for a super delicious fruit bar.
Turns out my double take did me well because these bars have quickly become a new favorite in our household.
Gluten free base for healthy blackberry crumble bars
It seems like it’s been awhile since I’ve shared a gluten free treat, so I wanted to make sure all of my gluten free friends could enjoy these bars on my birthday.
The base is made from oat flour, which is super simple to make on your own if you have a high powered blender. Just toss in some gluten free old fashioned oats and blend on low speed until it turns into flour. Then mix in some coconut flour for a light and airy texture.
These blackberry crumble bars are sweetened with pure maple syrup and some raw cane sugar, or turbinado sugar. I love the richness from these two sweeteners, without totally overpowering the star of the show.
The star of the blackberry crumble bars
Okay, so there are really two stars, in my opinion. The sweet blackberries and the crumble oat topping.
I didn’t sweeten the blackberries with any additional sugar because I wanted their natural sweetness to shine. Just mash the blackberries with a fork, leaving some in larger pieces. Make sure to drain the blackberries before putting them on top of your oat base, otherwise they’ll end up super soggy. And I don’t know about you, but a soggy bar does not sound like a great birthday treat to have.
The second star of this show is definitely the oat crumble! A mixture of oats, Truvia brown sugar blend {this is a favorite of mine} and a small amount of butter. If you want to make these bars vegan, you can definitely use coconut oil as well.
Blackberry crumble bars fit for a birthday
I just love the texture of these bars! Between the chewy base, soft blackberries and crunchy oat topping, it’s like a little flavor explosion in your mouth every time.
So if you’re also looking to switch things up for your birthday or someone else’s, then whip up a batch of these blackberry crumble bars. I guarantee you won’t have any left by the end of the party!
Looking for more birthday inspired treats? Check these out:
- 2 cups oat flour
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ¾ cup old fashioned oats
- 3 tsp. xanthan gum
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup raw cane sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 egg*
- 1 {12 oz} container black raspberries
- Crumble Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 2 Tbsp. Truvia brown sugar baking blend
- 2 Tbsp. butter**
-
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 9”x9” pan with baking spray.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, oats, xanthan gum, baking powder and salt.
-
Stir in the coconut oil, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla and egg until combined. Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
-
In a small bowl, mash the blackberries. Leaving some blackberries larger. Drain the blackberries and spread in an even layer over the bars.
-
In a medium bowl, mix together the crumble ingredients, using your fingers to create a crumbly texture.
-
Sprinkle over the blackberries.
-
Bake for 28-32 minutes, until set. Remove and let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
*Note: use a flax egg to make vegan. Stir together 1 Tbsp. flaxseed meal and 2 ½ Tbsp. water.
**Note: use coconut oil to make dairy free and vegan.
