There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a nourishing, homemade breakfast—especially when it comes in the form of a delicious, grab-and-go bar. If you’re looking for a way to fuel your morning that’s both gluten free and vegan, these breakfast bars are about to become your new best friend.
Packed with wholesome oats, nuts, seeds, and a touch of natural sweetness, they’re perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or a healthy snack any time of day.
These bars are easy to make, endlessly customizable, and free from common allergens, making them suitable for just about everyone. Whether you’re heading out the door or enjoying a leisurely breakfast at home, this recipe ensures you never have to compromise on flavor, nutrition, or dietary needs.
Get ready to discover your new favorite breakfast staple!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Gluten free & Vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone seeking a plant-based, allergen-friendly option.
- Simple ingredients: No fancy products or hard-to-find items—just wholesome pantry staples.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch at the start of the week for quick, nourishing breakfasts or snacks.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your tastes.
- Kid-approved: Naturally sweet and chewy, these bars are loved by little ones and adults alike.
- No refined sugar: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and dates for steady energy.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free rolled oats | 2 cups | Certified gluten-free |
| Medjool dates | 1 cup, pitted | Soak if firm |
| Almond butter | 1/2 cup | Or any nut/seed butter |
| Maple syrup | 1/3 cup | Or agave nectar |
| Ground flaxseed | 2 tbsp | Helps bind the bars |
| Chia seeds | 1 tbsp | Optional, adds crunch |
| Chopped walnuts | 1/2 cup | Or pecans, sunflower seeds |
| Unsweetened shredded coconut | 1/3 cup | For texture & flavor |
| Dried cranberries | 1/3 cup | Or raisins, chopped apricots |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | For warmth |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Balances flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional |
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 8×8 inch baking pan (or similar size)
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife (for slicing bars)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the dates: If your dates are firm or dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Drain well. Add the dates to a food processor and blend until a thick, sticky paste forms.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine date paste, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the rolled oats, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to incorporate.
- Add mix-ins: Fold in the walnuts, coconut, and dried cranberries. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Use a spatula or your damp hands to press it evenly and firmly into the pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Cool completely: Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then use the parchment to lift the bars out and cool fully on a wire rack.
- Slice and enjoy: Once completely cool, slice into bars or squares. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Tips & Variations
- Nut-free version: Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter and use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
- Add chocolate: Stir in 1/4 cup of vegan chocolate chips for a decadent touch.
- Boost protein: Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the dry mix.
- No-bake option: Skip the oven and chill the pressed mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Change up the fruit: Try dried cherries, blueberries, or goji berries for a unique flavor.
Pro Tip: For extra chewy bars, slightly underbake and store in the fridge. For a crunchier texture, bake a few minutes longer.
Nutrition Facts
Nutritional values are approximate, based on 1 bar (out of 12).
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
Values will vary based on specific brands and mix-ins used.
Serving Suggestions
- On-the-go breakfast: Pair a bar with your favorite fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a balanced, portable meal.
- Snack time: Break a bar into smaller pieces and mix with dairy-free yogurt and berries for a satisfying snack parfait.
- Lunchbox treat: Pack a bar in lunchboxes for a sweet, nourishing pick-me-up.
- Post-workout fuel: Enjoy a bar with a banana or smoothie after exercising.
- With nut butter: Drizzle with extra almond or peanut butter for even more flavor and satisfaction.
Try pairing these bars with a refreshing Vegan Green Smoothie or our classic Chia Pudding with Berries for a complete breakfast!
Conclusion
These gluten free vegan breakfast bars are a game changer for anyone craving a healthy, convenient, and delicious start to the day. With their chewy texture, nutty crunch, and bursts of fruity sweetness, they’re proof that breakfast can be both nutritious and exciting.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a family, or simply looking to upgrade your snack game, these bars deliver on all fronts.
Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences, knowing you’re fueling your body with real, wholesome ingredients. If you loved these bars, you might also enjoy our Easy Vegan Oatmeal Cookies or Homemade Granola Clusters—both perfect for breakfast and beyond.
Happy baking, and may your mornings be a little brighter and a lot tastier!
📖 Recipe Card: Gluten-Free Vegan Breakfast Bars
Description: These breakfast bars are chewy, wholesome, and perfect for a grab-and-go morning meal. They're packed with nutritious ingredients and free from gluten and animal products.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 8 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, ground flaxseed, walnuts, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk almond butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and press down firmly.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 29 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Gluten-Free Vegan Breakfast Bars”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “These breakfast bars are chewy, wholesome, and perfect for a grab-and-go morning meal. They’re packed with nutritious ingredients and free from gluten and animal products.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “8 bars”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups gluten-free rolled oats”, “1/2 cup almond butter”, “1/3 cup pure maple syrup”, “1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce”, “1/3 cup chopped walnuts”, “1/3 cup dried cranberries”, “1/4 cup ground flaxseed”, “1 tsp vanilla extract”, “1/2 tsp cinnamon”, “1/4 tsp salt”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a large bowl, mix together oats, ground flaxseed, walnuts, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, whisk almond butter, maple syrup, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until combined.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and press down firmly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 25 minutes or until edges are golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool completely before cutting into bars.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “210 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “9 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “29 g”}}
