Best Vegan Energy Bar Recipe for Healthy On-The-Go Snacks

Updated On: October 6, 2025

If you’re looking for a delicious, wholesome snack to keep your energy levels soaring throughout the day, look no further than this best vegan energy bar recipe. Perfect for busy mornings, pre- or post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that satisfy your hunger and boost your stamina naturally.

Made without any animal products, this recipe is completely plant-based, ensuring that it fits seamlessly into any vegan lifestyle.

What’s truly wonderful about these bars is how easy they are to customize. Whether you prefer a nutty crunch, a hint of sweetness, or bursts of dried fruit, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Plus, they’re free from refined sugars and artificial additives, making them a truly wholesome snack option. Read on to discover how to craft your very own batch of these energizing bars that will keep you going strong all day long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan energy bar recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses simple, whole food ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store or health food shop.

The combination of nuts, seeds, oats, and natural sweeteners provides a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to keep you energized.

Secondly, these bars are incredibly versatile. You can swap ingredients based on what you have at home or your flavor preferences, making them a great pantry staple.

They’re also gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats, catering to more dietary restrictions.

Finally, they store well and travel easily, which means you can prepare a batch ahead of time and always have a nutritious snack on hand. No more reaching for processed bars loaded with preservatives—these homemade bars are fresh, wholesome, and simply better for you.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup natural almond butter (or any nut/seed butter)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional add-ins: 2 tbsp chia seeds, 2 tbsp hemp seeds, 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips

Equipment

  • Food processor or high-powered blender
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9×9 inch baking pan or square container
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and chopping board

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking pan: Line your 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once set.
  2. Process the nuts and seeds: In a food processor, pulse the almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds until finely chopped but not powdered. You want some texture to remain for a pleasant crunch.
  3. Add the dates: Add the chopped medjool dates to the nut mixture and pulse a few more times until the mixture starts to clump together. The sticky dates help bind everything.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and pinch of sea salt until smooth.
  5. Mix all ingredients: Transfer the nut and date mixture into the bowl with the almond butter mixture. Stir well with a spatula until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated and hold together when pressed.
  6. Add optional mix-ins: If you’re using chia seeds, hemp seeds, dried fruit, or chocolate chips, fold them in gently now.
  7. Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture to your lined baking pan. Press down firmly with the back of a spatula or your hands to create an even, compact layer. The firmer you press, the better the bars will hold their shape.
  8. Chill and set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up completely.
  9. Cut into bars: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 8-10 bars or squares.
  10. Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter and use pumpkin and sunflower seeds exclusively. You can also swap almonds for walnuts or pecans depending on your preference.”

Feel free to experiment with different dried fruits such as apricots, cherries, or figs. Adding a tablespoon of protein powder can boost the protein content for fitness enthusiasts.

If you prefer a softer bar, reduce the amount of oats slightly and increase the nut butter.

For extra flavor, sprinkle some shredded coconut or add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the mixture. If you like your bars sweeter, drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top before chilling.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Bar (assuming 10 bars)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 22 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Total Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 0.7 g
Sugars (natural) 12 g
Sodium 35 mg

Serving Suggestions

These vegan energy bars are perfect on their own as a quick snack, but you can also get creative with how you serve them. Pair a bar with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast on the go.

They also make a great addition to a packed lunch or hiking backpack, providing sustained energy during outdoor activities. If you’d like, crumble one over a bowl of vegan yogurt topped with fresh berries for a delightful parfait.

Looking for more wholesome homemade snacks? Check out our Magic Dough Recipe for a fun baking adventure or try our Low Sodium Hummus Recipe to accompany crunchy veggies alongside your energy bars.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan energy bars at home is not only rewarding but also ensures you know exactly what’s going into your snack. This recipe is straightforward, adaptable, and packed with nourishing ingredients that keep you energized without any artificial fillers or preservatives.

Whether you’re a busy professional, an athlete, or simply someone who loves wholesome treats, these bars will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, they store well, making meal prep a breeze.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfying taste and boost of natural energy it provides.

For more delicious vegan recipes, don’t miss our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes (vegan versions included) or our delightful Leche De Pantera Recipe. Happy snacking!

📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Energy Bar Recipe

Description: These homemade vegan energy bars are packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a perfect on-the-go snack. They are easy to make and free from refined sugars.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup flaxseeds
  • 1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup natural almond butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pulse almonds, cashews, and oats in a food processor until roughly chopped.
  3. Add dates, chia seeds, flaxseeds, dried cranberries, maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
  4. Process until mixture is sticky and combined.
  5. Press mixture firmly into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are golden.
  7. Cool completely before slicing into 12 bars.
  8. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Marta K

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