Step 1: Prepare the Crust & Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar.
3. Add the cold vegan butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the topping.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted, halved cherries, maple syrup, and filtered water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a bit of cold water to form a slurry. Add this to the cherry mixture along with the vanilla extract.
4. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the cherry filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
2. Crumble the reserved dough over the cherry filling to create a topping.
3. If desired, brush the top with unsweetened soy milk and sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added texture and sweetness.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.