Looking for a delicious and healthy vegan treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without relying on chocolate? Carob bars are the perfect alternative!
Made from the carob pod, this naturally sweet ingredient offers a unique flavor that’s both rich and subtly nutty. Unlike chocolate, carob is caffeine-free and packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a wholesome snack.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step to create your own vegan carob bars that are easy to make and perfect for on-the-go snacking or sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re new to carob or a longtime fan, these bars combine wholesome ingredients to deliver a satisfying crunch and a lovely natural sweetness, all without any dairy or refined sugars.
Ready to indulge in a guilt-free treat? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan carob bars recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet snack without compromising on health or ethics. First, it’s completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies alike.
The use of carob powder instead of cocoa means you get the benefit of lower fat content and no caffeine, ideal for sensitive individuals.
The bars are nutritious and filling, thanks to the combination of nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave. Plus, they require no baking, making preparation quick and fuss-free.
Whether it’s a midday energy boost or a post-workout snack, these bars provide a wholesome option that’s both tasty and satisfying.
Finally, this recipe is highly customizable — you can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For inspiration, be sure to check out our other creative recipes like Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or our refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- 1/3 cup carob powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup natural almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp vegan dark chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Food processor or blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking pan or loaf pan (8×8 inch recommended)
- Parchment paper
- Refrigerator or freezer for setting
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Process the dates: In a food processor, pulse the chopped medjool dates until they form a sticky paste. This will act as the natural binder for your bars.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, carob powder, and sea salt.
- Add wet ingredients: To the dry mix, add the date paste, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything thoroughly using a spatula until the mixture is well combined. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together.
- Optional chocolate chips: Fold in vegan dark chocolate chips for extra richness and texture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly to compact the mixture, using the back of a spoon or your hands.
- Chill and set: Place the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or into the freezer for 30-40 minutes, to allow the bars to firm up.
- Cut into bars: Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 8 or 10 bars of your preferred size.
- Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
“For a nuttier flavor, try swapping walnuts with almonds or cashews. If you prefer a sweeter bar, add a tablespoon more maple syrup, but be mindful of the texture.”
- Nut-free option: Replace nuts with extra seeds like chia or flax for crunch and omega-3 benefits.
- Add dried fruit: Mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for bursts of sweetness and chewiness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
- Boost protein: Incorporate a scoop of plant-based protein powder to make these bars a perfect post-workout snack.
- Make it chocolatey: For those who don’t mind a bit of chocolate, try partially swapping carob powder with cacao powder, or drizzle melted vegan chocolate on top after setting.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Bar (assuming 8 bars) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sugars | 10 g (natural sugars) |
Protein | 5 g |
Sodium | 50 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan carob bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them as a quick breakfast on busy mornings paired with a warm cup of your favorite plant milk latte.
They also make a perfect mid-afternoon snack to curb cravings and keep your energy steady.
For a delightful dessert, warm a bar slightly and serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of coconut yogurt. If you’re packing lunch for work or school, these bars travel well and provide a nutritious alternative to processed snacks.
If you like this recipe, you might also want to check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for a savory vegan delight or cool down with a refreshing Lemon Straws Recipe.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan carob bars is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy a wholesome snack that’s both nourishing and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a batch of bars that not only taste great but also support your health goals.
Carob offers a tasty, caffeine-free alternative to chocolate, making these bars ideal for anyone looking to reduce stimulants or simply try something new. The flexibility of this recipe means you can tailor it to your tastes and dietary needs, whether adding extra nuts, seeds, or a hint of spice.
Next time you crave a sweet snack, give these bars a try — your body and taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes on our site like the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a fresh vegan meal option, or our comforting Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for something heartier.
📖 Recipe Card: Carob Bars Recipe Vegan
Description: Delicious and healthy vegan carob bars perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients and naturally sweetened.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup carob powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, almond flour, carob powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine maple syrup, melted coconut oil, almond butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts and raisins.
- Press mixture evenly into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until set.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 18 g
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