Deliciously Wholesome: Gluten-Free, Vegan Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars
Prepare to experience a truly guilt-free indulgence with these extraordinary Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars. Crafted with health-conscious living in mind, these bars are not only gluten-free and vegan but also naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome goodness. They represent the perfect balance of deliciousness and dietary integrity, making them an ideal treat for anyone seeking flavorful options without compromise.
The journey to creating these delightful bars began with a personal challenge: a recently developed, and rather unwelcome, gluten intolerance. As someone who loves to cook and bake, this diagnosis meant a complete re-education in the kitchen. The initial days were a true struggle, marked by frustration and a constant feeling of not knowing what to eat. Adapting familiar recipes and experimenting with new ingredients to achieve the same beloved textures and flavors without gluten has been a significant learning curve. It’s a path many navigate, discovering new culinary landscapes along the way.
During this period of adjustment, I often found myself feeling perpetually hungry, grappling with the limitations of my new diet. Life’s daily demands, coupled with preparations for an upcoming vacation, meant dedicated research into gluten-free living had to be temporarily postponed. However, upon my return from Chicago next week, I am committed to diving deep into understanding gluten intolerance, exploring the best strategies for managing it, and expanding my repertoire of delicious, compliant meals. Until then, these crumb bars, along with a few other staples, have become a welcome source of sustenance.
One silver lining in this dietary shift has been my immense gratitude for my ample stash of Diamond of California nuts. Just a few months prior, I had been almost comically overwhelmed by a year’s supply of nuts delivered right to my living room. I recall the scene vividly – a massive pile of pecans, almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and cashews, making me feel like a modern-day Scrooge swimming in his vault, but with nuts instead of gold! Who knew this mountain of tree nuts would become such a vital component of my new way of eating?
My impressive nut collection has been dwindling rapidly, serving as the foundation for much of my recent gluten-free and vegan diet. From simple toasted pecans that offer a satisfying crunch to more elaborate creations like Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal, Chai Spiced Granola, and countless batches of Honey Almond Butter Mini Granola Cups, these nuts have been indispensable. They provide essential healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making them a cornerstone for sustaining energy throughout the day. This abundance has not only nourished me but also sparked immense creativity in developing new, exciting recipes that align with my dietary needs.
Introducing Your New Favorite Healthy Treat: Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars
The latest addition to my rotation, these Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars, have quickly become a daily staple, serving as both breakfast and lunch. What makes them so appealing is their incredible texture and flavor profile, combined with the fact that they are genuinely good for you. Each bar is a symphony of layers, designed to satisfy your cravings while providing sustained energy.
The base layer is a robust and satisfying mixture of certified gluten-free old-fashioned oats, perfectly complemented by the rich, buttery flavor of Diamond of California Pecans. This crumbly foundation is bound together with just the right amount of melted coconut oil and a touch of maple syrup for natural sweetness, all subtly spiced with a hint of warming cinnamon. This hearty layer provides a fantastic chew and nutty depth.
Next comes a luscious, creamy layer of smooth almond butter, offering a delightful richness and a boost of plant-based protein. This healthy fat component not only adds to the flavor but also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. On top of the almond butter, a vibrant layer of sweet strawberry jam provides a burst of fruity freshness and natural sugars, creating a wonderful contrast to the nutty base.
Finally, these delectable bars are crowned with a generous sprinkling of an oat streusel topping. This crumble, made from the remaining oats and pecans, along with a bit more coconut oil and maple syrup, bakes into a golden-brown, lightly crisp texture that adds another dimension of enjoyment. The gentle pressing of the crumble into the jam ensures a cohesive and utterly delightful bite every time.
Why These Crumb Bars Are a Game Changer
These Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars are more than just a sweet treat; they are a versatile and wholesome snack that can effortlessly enhance any meal or lunchbox. They are perfect for a quick, energizing breakfast on the go, a satisfying mid-morning snack, or a delightful addition to your packed lunch. Their portable nature makes them ideal for busy schedules, school, work, or even as a hiking companion. The combination of complex carbohydrates from oats, healthy fats from nuts and coconut oil, and natural fruit sugars provides sustained energy without the sugar crash associated with many conventional processed snacks.
Moreover, the thoughtful selection of ingredients ensures that these bars cater to specific dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. Being gluten-free means they are suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, while their vegan composition makes them an excellent choice for plant-based diets. The reliance on natural sweeteners further underscores their health benefits, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat with peace of mind. They offer a comforting, homemade taste that feels both decadent and nourishing, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or restrictive.
Get ready to add these incredible Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars to your regular baking rotation. They are sure to become a family favorite, offering a delightful and wholesome option for any time of day.
Strawberry Almond Butter Crumb Bars
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Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats, certified gluten-free
- 1 and 1/2 cups pecans, divided
- 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted and divided
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 flax egg, see notes
- 1 cup almond butter
- ½ cup, plus 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8-inch-by-8-inch square baking pan with parchment so that it overlaps on each side.
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Add 1 1/2 cups oats, 1 cup pecans, cinnamon and pinch of salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine. Add 3 tablespoons coconut oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, flax egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Pulse until the mixture forms a loose dough ball (it will be sticky). Transfer the dough into the baking pan. Using your fingers, firmly press the mixture into an even layer.
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Using a rubber spatula, evenly spread the almond butter over the oat mixture. Evenly spread the strawberry jam on top of the almond butter.
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Without cleaning the food processor, add the remaining 1/2 cup of oats, 1/2 cup pecans, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Pulse until the mixture forms a coarse crumble. Evenly sprinkle the crumble over the strawberry jam layer, gently pressing the crumble into the jam.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 3o minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely. Slice.
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The bars will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5-7 days. If storing in the refrigerator, allow the bars to sit out for 15 minutes to come to room temperature before enjoying.
Notes
- To make a flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water; stir to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes before using.
Disclosure: A special thank you to Diamond Nuts for sponsoring this post. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own and authentically reflect my experience. Your support helps me continue collaborating with brands I genuinely use and trust in my kitchen, bringing you more delicious and wholesome recipes.