Vegan Bars Recipe: Easy, Healthy Treats to Make Today

If you’re looking for a wholesome, tasty, and energizing snack, these vegan bars are the perfect treat to have on hand. Packed with nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, oats, and natural sweeteners, they provide a satisfying crunch and a delightful chewiness.

Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a midday boost, or a post-workout refuel, these bars will keep you fueled and happy all day long.

What makes these bars truly special is their versatility and simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps to whip them up.

Plus, they’re completely plant-based, gluten-free-friendly (with simple swaps), and free from refined sugars. This recipe is ideal for anyone embracing a vegan lifestyle or just wanting to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Ready to dive into making your own delicious vegan bars? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These vegan bars are a fantastic blend of wholesome ingredients that offer sustained energy and satisfy your sweet tooth naturally. Unlike many store-bought bars, these are free from preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sugars.

You control exactly what goes in, making them ideal for specific dietary needs or preferences.

They’re also incredibly easy to customize! Want to add dried fruits, swap nuts, or include superfoods like chia or hemp seeds?

Go for it. These bars are perfect for meal prepping, hiking snacks, or even a quick dessert.

Plus, they store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can enjoy them anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 2 tbsp chia seeds (optional, for extra nutrition)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened, optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8 inch baking pan or similar size
• Parchment paper for lining the pan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Food processor (optional, for chopping nuts finely)
• Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan for warming peanut butter
• Knife for cutting bars

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan: Line the 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Chop the nuts: If you prefer smaller nut pieces, pulse the mixed nuts in a food processor a few times until roughly chopped. If you like chunkier bars, you can skip this step.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds (if using), dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and sea salt. Stir well to distribute everything evenly.
4. Warm the wet ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, gently warm the peanut butter until soft but not boiling (about 20-30 seconds in the microwave). Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or spoon to mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are coated and the mixture sticks together.
6. Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together better.
7. Chill and set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm and set.
8. Cut into bars: Lift the mixture out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 even bars or squares using a sharp knife.
9. Store properly: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage. They’re perfect for a quick grab-and-go snack anytime!

Tips & Variations

“For extra chewiness, add 1/4 cup of mashed ripe banana or applesauce to the wet ingredients. To make nut-free bars, substitute nuts with extra seeds like pumpkin and sunflower.”

• Make it chocolatey: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or sprinkle vegan chocolate chips on top before chilling.
• Switch up the nuts and seeds: Use pecans, hazelnuts, or flaxseeds depending on what you have on hand.
• Boost protein: Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite vegan protein powder.
• Sweetness level: Adjust the maple syrup to taste or use brown rice syrup for a milder flavor.
• Oat flour option: For a finer texture, pulse oats into oat flour before mixing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy one as a quick breakfast with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or coffee.

They make a perfect midday snack paired with fresh fruit or a handful of baby carrots.

For a post-workout refuel, serve your bar with a smoothie or some coconut water. You can also crumble them over vegan yogurt or use as a crunchy topping for smoothie bowls.

Looking for more delicious vegan snacks? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat, or try making homemade bread with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

For savory options, explore Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your meals.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan bars at home is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious and delicious snack free from unwanted additives. This recipe is easy to customize to your tastes and dietary needs, making it an ideal kitchen staple.

Whether you prefer nutty, fruity, or chocolaty snacks, these bars are a great base to experiment with.

By preparing these bars in advance, you’ll always have a convenient, healthy option ready to fuel your busy days or satisfy your cravings. They’re perfect for all ages and occasions.

Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite snack! Don’t forget to explore other tasty vegan recipes on our site to keep your plant-based journey exciting and flavorful.

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