Looking for a wholesome, energizing snack that perfectly fits your vegan lifestyle? These homemade chia bars are your new go-to treat!
Packed with nutrient-dense chia seeds, natural sweeteners, and wholesome ingredients, these bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the run, a midday pick-me-up, or a post-workout boost, chia bars check all the boxes.
Chia seeds are a superfood superstar—rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. When combined with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, they create a delightful texture and a naturally sweet, satisfying flavor.
Plus, making your own bars means you control exactly what goes in, avoiding any unwanted preservatives or additives. Ready to whip up a batch of these vegan chia bars?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chia bars are:
- Vegan and plant-based, perfect for anyone avoiding animal products.
- Gluten-free when made with certified gluten-free oats, ideal for sensitive stomachs.
- Loaded with natural energy boosters like chia seeds, almonds, and maple syrup.
- Simple and quick to prepare with no baking required.
- Customizable to your favorite flavors—add chocolate chips, dried berries, or even shredded coconut.
- Great for meal prep and travel, as they hold well in an airtight container.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rolled oats (gluten-free if needed) | 1 ½ cups |
| Chia seeds | ¼ cup |
| Almonds (roughly chopped) | ½ cup |
| Sunflower seeds | ¼ cup |
| Dried cranberries or raisins | ½ cup |
| Maple syrup | ⅓ cup |
| Natural peanut butter or almond butter | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Sea salt | ⅛ teaspoon |
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8 inch baking pan or square dish
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife for cutting bars
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Line the 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and sea salt. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the peanut butter and maple syrup together for about 20-30 seconds until slightly runny. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the peanut butter and maple syrup mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix thoroughly, ensuring all the oats and seeds are coated.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into the parchment-lined pan. Press it down firmly and evenly with the back of a spoon or your hands to compact the mixture.
- Chill and set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars have firmed up completely.
- Slice and serve: Using the parchment overhang, lift the set mixture out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 12 bars or squares.
- Store: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
“Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts or pecans, and add a handful of vegan chocolate chips for an indulgent twist!”
- If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit the almonds.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle a little melted vegan chocolate over the bars after they’ve set.
- Try adding 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or hemp seeds for an extra nutrition boost.
- Use different dried fruits such as chopped dates, apricots, or blueberries to vary the flavor.
- If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of almond milk to help bind.
- For a tropical vibe, stir in shredded coconut and chopped dried pineapple.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Bar (1/12th) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g (natural from syrup and fruit) |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 500 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these chia bars as a quick breakfast paired with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or coffee. They also make a fantastic snack on hikes, road trips, or busy workdays when you need a nutritious boost.
For a more filling option, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie bowl.
Want to switch things up? Pair your chia bars with recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe for a wholesome lunch, or try them after a hearty meal like the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe as a guilt-free dessert.
For a tangy snack side, consider the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan chia bars is a rewarding and healthful way to stay energized throughout the day. This recipe offers the perfect balance of taste and nutrition without any complicated steps or obscure ingredients.
Whether you’re new to vegan snacks or a seasoned pro, these bars are an excellent addition to your recipe collection.
They’re easy to customize, portable, and full of wholesome goodness that fuels your body the natural way. Plus, they’re a fantastic alternative to store-bought bars loaded with preservatives and artificial additives.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why homemade chia bars are becoming a pantry staple for many health-conscious home cooks!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chia Bars
Description: These vegan chia bars are a healthy and delicious snack packed with fiber and omega-3s. Perfect for on-the-go energy boosts or a quick breakfast option.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix oats, chia seeds, shredded coconut, chopped almonds, and salt.
- In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in dried cranberries.
- Press mixture evenly into a lined 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 20g
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