Vegan Cereal Bar Recipe for a Healthy Snack Boost

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Looking for a wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-make snack that fits perfectly into your vegan lifestyle? Look no further!

This vegan cereal bar recipe is a fantastic way to fuel your day with natural energy. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning, needing a midday pick-me-up, or packing snacks for a hike, these bars hit all the right notes.

Made with simple, whole-food ingredients, these cereal bars are naturally sweetened, packed with fiber, and utterly satisfying. Plus, they’re free from refined sugars, dairy, and eggs, making them perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet or with common allergies.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can customize it with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to keep things exciting and nutritious.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to create these tasty bars from scratch, including handy tips, ingredient alternatives, nutritional info, and serving ideas. Ready to snack smarter?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan cereal bar recipe is a game-changer for several reasons:

  • Simple Ingredients: No artificial additives or preservatives—just wholesome, plant-based foods you can pronounce.
  • Customizable: Tailor the bars with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to suit your taste and dietary needs.
  • Energy Boosting: Packed with oats, nut butter, and natural sweeteners, these bars provide sustained energy for busy days.
  • Perfect Texture: Chewy yet firm, these bars won’t crumble in your bag and make a satisfying snack every time.
  • Kid-Approved: A great way to sneak some extra fiber and nutrients into your little one’s lunchbox.

Not to mention, making your own cereal bars means you control the quality, flavor, and nutrition, avoiding hidden sugars and preservatives found in many store-bought options.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans), chopped
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup shredded coconut for added texture and flavor
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chia seeds or flaxseeds for a nutritional boost

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking pan (8×8 inch recommended)
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife for cutting bars
  • Microwave or stovetop for melting nut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare your baking pan. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
  2. Toast the oats and nuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the rolled oats and chopped nuts for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor and crunch.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter and maple syrup. Heat for about 20-30 seconds until warm and pourable. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  4. Combine all ingredients. In your mixing bowl, add the toasted oats, nuts, seeds, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, and chia seeds if using. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spatula until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
  5. Press into the pan. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly wet to prevent sticking) to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
  6. Chill to set. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up. This step is crucial to ensure your bars hold together when cut.
  7. Slice and store. Once set, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares of your desired size. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Tips & Variations

“Feel free to experiment with different nut butters and dried fruits to keep this recipe fresh and exciting!”

  • Nut Butter Swap: Try cashew or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile or to avoid peanuts.
  • Sweetener Alternatives: Use brown rice syrup or date syrup if you want a less sweet option.
  • Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the bars.
  • Boost Protein: Incorporate a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder for an added nutritional punch.
  • Make Them Gluten-Free: Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and check other ingredients for gluten contamination.
  • Use Different Seeds: Swap pumpkin seeds for hemp seeds or add a few cacao nibs for a chocolatey twist.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Bar (based on 12 bars)
Calories 180 kcal
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 22 g
Fiber 4 g
Fat 9 g
Sugar 8 g (natural sugars from syrup and fruit)

Serving Suggestions

These vegan cereal bars are perfect on their own as a grab-and-go snack. Here are some ideas to enjoy them even more:

  • Pair with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk for a quick breakfast.
  • Chop and sprinkle over a bowl of dairy-free yogurt with fresh fruit for a wholesome parfait.
  • Serve alongside a smoothie for a complete post-workout snack.
  • Include in your kids’ lunchboxes as a nutritious treat they’ll love.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan cereal bars at home is not only fun but incredibly rewarding. You get to control exactly what goes into your snacks, ensuring they are packed with wholesome ingredients and free from unwanted additives.

These bars are versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any time of day when you need a nutritious pick-me-up.

By investing a little time upfront, you’ll have a delicious batch of bars ready to grab whenever hunger strikes. Plus, they store well, making meal prep a breeze.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to eat more plant-based snacks, these cereal bars are a fantastic addition to your kitchen repertoire. For more delicious vegan recipes, check out Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cereal Bar

Description: A quick and easy vegan cereal bar packed with nuts and seeds for a healthy snack. Perfect for on-the-go energy boosts.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup almond butter
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix oats, nuts, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
  3. In a saucepan, warm almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
  5. Press mixture firmly into a lined baking pan.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutrition: Calories: 200 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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