Best Vegan Dessert Bars Recipes for Every Sweet Craving

Craving something sweet but want to keep it plant-based? You’re in the right place!

Vegan dessert bars are a fantastic way to indulge your sweet tooth without any animal products, and they can be just as rich, creamy, and satisfying as traditional desserts. Whether you love chocolate, fruit, nuts, or a combination of all three, these dessert bars are sure to delight every palate.

Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply enjoying a guilt-free treat at home.

In this post, we’ll dive into the best vegan dessert bars recipes that are easy to make, use wholesome ingredients, and pack a punch of flavor. From chewy brownies to fruity lemon bars and nutty blondies, these recipes have something for everyone.

Get ready to add some vibrant, delicious, and compassionate desserts to your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan dessert bars are not only delicious but also versatile and accessible. They use common pantry staples and natural sweeteners, making them both health-conscious and budget-friendly.

The recipes are designed to be straightforward, so even if you’re new to vegan baking, you’ll have success with minimal fuss.

Each bar boasts a perfect balance of texture and flavor — chewy, gooey, or crumbly — with the added bonus of being free from dairy, eggs, and refined sugars in many cases. Plus, these bars keep well for days, making them ideal for meal prep or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Classic Vegan Brownie Bars

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Peanut Butter Oat Bars

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)

Equipment

• Baking pan (8×8 inches recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or spoon for mixing
• Spatula
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Classic Vegan Brownie Bars

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in the vegan chocolate chips if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool completely on a rack before slicing into squares.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together sugar, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, almond milk, and poppy seeds.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the pan and smooth the surface.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Peanut Butter Oat Bars

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Add rolled oats and salt, stirring until fully incorporated.
4. Fold in chopped peanuts if desired for extra crunch.
5. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set.
7. Cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For fudgier brownie bars, reduce the baking time slightly and avoid overbaking. Bars will firm up more as they cool.

Variation: Swap almond milk for oat or soy milk for different flavor profiles or to accommodate allergies.

Tip: Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or vegan white chocolate chips to any of these bars to customize flavors and textures.

Variation: For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan dessert bars are delicious on their own but can be elevated with a few simple accompaniments. Try serving your Classic Vegan Brownie Bars with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of almond butter for extra indulgence.

The Lemon Poppy Seed Bars pair beautifully with a cup of herbal tea or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a bright and refreshing treat.

Enjoy the Peanut Butter Oat Bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or as a quick energy-boosting snack during the day.

For more vegan inspiration, be sure to check out our Julie Marie Eats Recipes and explore creative plant-based ideas.

Conclusion

Vegan dessert bars are a brilliant way to enjoy wholesome, satisfying sweets that everyone can appreciate. These recipes showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create rich and flavorful treats without compromising on texture or taste.

Whether you prefer the deep chocolatey goodness of brownies, the zesty brightness of lemon bars, or the nutty comfort of peanut butter oat bars, there’s a vegan dessert bar here for you.

Not only are these bars easy to make, but they also store well, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute cravings. Plus, they make fantastic gifts or party snacks that cater to all dietary preferences.

If you want to keep exploring vegan baking, check out our Leche De Pantera Recipe for a creamy vegan treat or the Magic Dough Recipe for versatile dough options. Happy baking and enjoy your delicious, compassionate desserts!

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