Best Vegetarian Granola Bar Recipe for Healthy Snacking

Granola bars are the perfect on-the-go snack that combines convenience, nutrition, and flavor in one delicious package. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, fueling up before a hike, or just looking for a wholesome treat, homemade granola bars are a fantastic choice.

This best vegetarian granola bar recipe is crafted to be wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize. Featuring a blend of crunchy oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners, these bars offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors without any animal products.

Plus, making them at home means you control every ingredient — no preservatives or unnecessary additives, just pure goodness.

In this post, I’ll walk you through every step to create the perfect vegetarian granola bars that hold together well, taste amazing, and keep you energized throughout the day. Ready to get snacking?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian granola bar recipe is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile — you can swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste or dietary needs.

The use of natural sweeteners like maple syrup and brown rice syrup makes these bars sweet but not overpoweringly so, perfect for those who prefer a more natural sweetness.

These bars have a great chewy yet crunchy texture thanks to a balanced mix of oats, nuts, and seeds. They also hold together beautifully without the need for eggs or dairy, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Best of all, they’re easy to make in one bowl and bake in under 30 minutes, so you can have fresh granola bars ready in no time.

If you love wholesome homemade snacks, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. And once you’ve mastered it, you might want to try other tasty recipes like Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the decadent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert.

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup natural almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup brown rice syrup (optional, for extra chewiness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Baking pan (8×8 inch or similar)
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife for chopping nuts

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In your mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all components.
3. Prepare the wet mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently warm the almond butter, maple syrup, and brown rice syrup (if using). Stir frequently until smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
5. Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using a spatula or your hands (dampened for less stickiness), press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to ensure the bars hold together well after baking.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes: Place the pan in the oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown and the bars feel set. Avoid overbaking to keep them chewy.
7. Cool completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This step is crucial for the bars to firm up properly.
8. Cut into bars: Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares of your desired size.
9. Store or enjoy: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Tips & Variations

“For chewier bars, add a little more brown rice syrup or substitute half the oats with quick oats.”

• Try swapping out nuts for seeds like chia, flax, or hemp for added nutrition.
• Add a handful of mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs after mixing for a subtle chocolate twist.
• If you want a nuttier flavor, toast the nuts and oats lightly in the oven for 5-7 minutes before mixing.
• For a no-bake version, press the mixture into the pan and refrigerate for at least 3 hours instead of baking.
• Mix in superfoods like dried goji berries, mulberries, or chopped dried apricots to boost antioxidants.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian granola bars are perfect as a quick breakfast on busy mornings or an energy boost during afternoon slumps. Pair them with a cup of herbal tea or a glass of almond milk for a satisfying snack.

They also travel well, making them ideal for hiking, road trips, or packed lunches.

For a more indulgent treat, crumble the bars over a bowl of yogurt with fresh fruit, or serve alongside a smoothie bowl for added crunch. Looking for more snack ideas?

Check out our Chocolate Covered Fritos Recipe or the savory Cowboy Crack Dip Recipe for party-ready bites.

Conclusion

Making your own vegetarian granola bars is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy a healthy snack that fits your lifestyle. This recipe is simple, flexible, and packed with wholesome ingredients that provide lasting energy without any animal products.

Once you make these bars, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to customize them to your taste and dietary needs, whether you prefer them nutty, fruity, or with a little hint of spice.

These bars store well, are perfect for busy days, and are a great alternative to store-bought snacks loaded with preservatives. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to keep the recipe fresh and exciting.

For more tasty homemade recipes that nourish and delight, explore our blog where you’ll find gems like the creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the comforting Chicken Salad Recipe Willow Tree.

Happy cooking and snacking!

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