Name: Jammy Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Crumble (Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 47 min
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour (spooned and leveled); 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 10 tablespoons salted butter, melted (dairy-free sticks used); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 16 ounces frozen sweet or tart cherries (about 4 cups, do not thaw); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

When life calls for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and bursts with vibrant cherry goodness, these Jammy Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Crumble (Vegan) Recipe are exactly what you need. Imagine a buttery, oat-studded base topped with a sweet and tangy cherry filling, all crowned with a crunchy almond crumble that adds the perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing with friends, these bars bring the ultimate cozy, fruity indulgence that’s entirely plant-based and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eleven white bowls and small glass bowls arranged neatly on a soft pink background. The largest bowl is filled with dark red fresh or frozen cherries with a shiny texture. Surrounding it are medium and small white bowls filled with a variety of dry and liquid ingredients: an all-purpose flour bowl with a light, powdery texture, a rolled oats bowl with flat, pale beige flakes, a bright yellow-orange non-dairy butter in a glass bowl, almond flour with a pale beige powdery look, slivered almonds in a bowl with thin, light beige nut pieces, and a brown sugar bowl with a rich, coarse texture. Smaller glass bowls hold lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, baking powder, powdered sugar, and cornstarch, each showing clear or white powdery contents. The whole scene is on a white marbled texture surface with soft natural light photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be intimidated by the baking process—these ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly treasures that effortlessly come together. Each one plays a key role: the oats and almond flour add heartiness and nuttiness, while the cherries provide that natural jammy sweetness. Every element works in harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures.

1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This creates a tender but sturdy base for the bars, ensuring they hold their shape perfectly.
1 cup rolled oats: Adds chewiness and a rustic texture to the crust and crumble.
1/2 cup almond flour: Imparts a subtle nutty flavor and richness, boosting the crumble’s crunch.
1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar: Provides caramel-like depth and sweetness to the dough.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the base, making it tender but not cake-like.
10 tablespoons salted butter, melted (dairy-free sticks work great): Moisturizes the dough and balances the sweetness with a buttery richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a lovely aroma that elevates the whole dessert.
1/2 cup sliced almonds: Sprinkled into the crumble for crunch and a lovely nutty bite.
1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness.
2 teaspoons cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling perfectly without affecting flavor.
16 ounces frozen sweet or tart cherries (do not thaw): The star ingredient providing that jammy, fruity burst in every bite.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling naturally and balances tartness.
1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and a slight tang to enhance the cherries.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Compliments the almonds in the crumble and deepens the flavor profile.

How to Make Jammy Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Crumble (Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray. This setup ensures your bars bake evenly and come out cleanly from the pan, saving you precious time during serving.

Step 2: Create the Base and Crumble

In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and baking powder. Then add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Scoop about 2 cups of this mixture, and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid crust. Mix the sliced almonds into the leftover crumble dough—this almond-studded topping will add captivating crunch and texture later on.

Step 3: First Bake for the Base

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. This gentle bake sets the base without browning it too much, helping it hold the cherry filling perfectly. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Cook the Jammy Cherry Filling

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and set it aside. In a nonstick pan over medium heat, combine the frozen cherries and brown sugar. Allow cherries to thaw and then mash a bit for that luscious jammy texture—chunky or smooth, the choice is yours! Stir in the cornstarch slurry, then simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened. Finish by stirring in lemon juice and almond extract, which brighten and deepen the cherry flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Second Bake

Pour the warm cherry filling evenly over the baked crust. Then sprinkle your almond crumble mixture on top, making sure to cover the filling in a golden layer. Bake again for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and beautifully golden on top. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing—almost too good to wait!

Step 6: Cool Completely before Slicing

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool on a wire rack until they reach room temperature, about an hour. For quicker cooling, pop them in the fridge for an additional hour. This step is crucial so the filling sets perfectly and your bars slice without any mess.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab from the pan onto a cutting board, then slice into 16 even bars. These bars store beautifully for several days, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying little by little.

How to Serve Jammy Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Crumble (Vegan) Recipe

A close-up view of a square baking pan lined with parchment paper filled with uneven clusters of golden brown granola mixed with light beige almond slices scattered on top. The granola looks crunchy with oats and small nut pieces, evenly spread out to cover the entire pan. The pan is set on a wire rack above a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar is a classic choice that adds visual charm, but why stop there? Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of vegan vanilla glaze can elevate your bars to show-stopping status. Toasted sliced almonds on top add extra crunch and a beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a dreamy dessert experience. A cup of hot herbal tea or your favorite plant-based latte enhances the cozy, comforting vibe of the cherry sweetness and almond crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh cherries and edible flowers for an inviting dessert platter. For parties, insert decorative toothpicks for easy grab-and-go treats. You can also cut them into mini bite-sized squares and serve in pretty cupcake liners for a charming bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead of gatherings or treating yourself throughout the week.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They last up to 3 months in the freezer, making them perfect for holiday baking or whenever a sweet craving pops up.

Reheating

To enjoy your frozen or refrigerated bars warm, simply pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave on medium power for 20–30 seconds, but the oven method keeps the crumble delightfully crisp.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully when in season. Just pit them and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to reach that perfect jammy consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

The current recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap the flour for a gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Since almond flour and sliced almonds are key ingredients, nut substitutes like sunflower seed flour and seeds could be used, but the texture and flavor will differ. Experimentation might be needed to perfect it!

How do I get the almond crumble so crunchy?

Using melted butter and mixing almonds into the crumble ensures great texture. Also, don’t shy away from letting the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps the crumble set perfectly crisp.

Can I use other fruits for the filling?

Yes! This base and crumble are versatile. Try blueberries, raspberries, or mixed berries for seasonal variations that are just as delicious and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

Nothing quite beats the comforting, fruity joy of my favorite Jammy Cherry Pie Bars with Almond Crumble (Vegan) Recipe. Every bite feels like sunshine wrapped in a cozy blanket, and knowing it’s vegan only makes it sweeter. I encourage you to bake a batch today, share the love, and see how this simple yet spectacular dessert brightens up your day or any special occasion.