Vegan Cherry Bakewell Bars Recipe

These Vegan Cherry Bakewell Bars are a delightful twist on the classic British Bakewell tart. Featuring a buttery base, a layer of sweet cherry jam, and a soft almond topping, these bars are perfect for afternoon tea, a snack, or dessert. With their simple preparation and vibrant flavors, they’re sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.

What Are Vegan Cherry Bakewell Bars?

Vegan Cherry Bakewell Bars are inspired by the traditional Bakewell tart but transformed into an easy-to-make bar format. The recipe uses a vegan shortbread-style base, a layer of cherry jam, and a rich almond-flavored topping sprinkled with flaked almonds. It’s a dairy-free and egg-free treat that’s full of classic almond and fruit flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps for a hassle-free baking experience.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: Sweet cherries and nutty almonds create a perfectly balanced bite.
• Vegan-Friendly: Ideal for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking for a dairy-free dessert.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or different fruit fillings.

Ingredients

Base:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 g) vegan butter, melted
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar

Filling:

• 1 cup (240 g) cherry jam
• ¾ cup (75 g) ground almonds
• ¾ cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) almond milk

Topping:

• ½ cup (50 g) flaked almonds

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking tin with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, melted vegan butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles crumbs.
3. Press the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared tin.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.

Adding the Filling

1. Spread the cherry jam evenly over the cooled base, creating a smooth layer.

Preparing the Almond Layer

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, sugar, almond extract, and almond milk until the mixture is smooth.
2. Pour the almond mixture over the jam layer and spread it out evenly.

Adding the Topping and Baking

1. Sprinkle the flaked almonds evenly over the almond layer.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
3. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the tin before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a classic tea-time treat.
• Dust with a little powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Different Fruit Flavors: Swap cherry jam for raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam for a new twist.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace ground almonds with oat flour and use coconut milk instead of almond milk.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! Any fruit jam works well, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars keep well for several days, making them a great option for preparing in advance.

How do I ensure the almond layer is fully cooked?
The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the almond layer should come out clean.

These Vegan Cherry Bakewell Bars are a delicious and simple dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as an everyday treat, their fruity and nutty layers are sure to delight. Give them a try and share your baking experience—you might just find a new favorite recipe!

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