Vegan Granola Bars

Say goodbye to snack aisle standoffs and hello to homemade bliss with these vegan granola bars. Whip up a batch of bars brimming with nuts, seeds, and just the right splash of sweetness in just 30 minutes!
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Vegan granola bars on a wooden cutting board surrounded by nuts and seeds.
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Imagine whipping up a batch of homemade vegan granola bars that are not just packed with nutrients but also ridiculously delicious. With a combination of shredded coconut, walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are the perfect on-the-go snack or a quick breakfast fix, making your busy mornings a little less hectic and a lot more flavorful.

Why settle for store-bought bars when you can easily create your own granola bars that are both healthier and tastier? Our recipe takes you through a seamless process, blending crunchy nuts, seeds, and the natural sweetness of dates, all held together with creamy peanut butter and maple syrup. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss approach to snacking that promises to be your new go-to, whether you’re rushing out the door or need a midday pick-me-up.

Craving more oat-inspired delights? Dive into our peanut butter overnight oats, pumpkin baked oatmeal, and protein mug cake for that perfect blend of wholesome and hearty. Maybe it’s time to elevate your morning routine; our breakfast ideas like tofu waffles, carrot lox, and vegan hash browns are sure to bring some excitement to your breakfast table.

And for that friend who can’t get enough of granola’s crunchy goodness, a batch of our vegan baked granola or maple brown sugar granola will hit the spot. For more snack ideas, visit our snack recipes archive for plenty of ideas!

A stack of homemade vegan granola bars.

Why You Should Make These Vegan Granola Bars

Making your own homemade snacks brings a unique sense of accomplishment and, let’s be honest, a taste that just can’t be replicated with store-bought fare. These vegan granola bars are more than just a recipe. They’re a doorway to healthier, happier snacking with ease.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, these granola bars check all the boxes for taste, health, and convenience. Here’s more reasons to love them:

  • Completely Vegan: Crafted with plant-based goodness, these granola bars are a perfect vegan snack with no dairy or honey.
  • Packed with Nutrients: With budget-friendly ingredients like hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts, each bar is a nutrient-dense snack that fuels your body with the good stuff.
  • Ridiculously Easy to Make: Forget the hassle of complicated recipes. In just 30 minutes, you have a batch of granola bars ready to go, making it perfect for meal planning.
  • Customizable: Love almonds? Prefer agave syrup over maple? This recipe invites you to throw in your favorites and make it your own.
  • Perfect for On-the-Go: Busy mornings and packed schedules meet their match—these bars are easy to wrap up and take with you, ensuring you’ve always got a healthy snack on hand.
  • Less Processed Than Store-Bought: By making these bars at home, you’re skipping the unnecessary additives and preservatives found in many commercial snacks.
  • Economical: Buying ingredients in bulk and making your own snacks can significantly cut down on your grocery bill, especially when compared to premium, store-bought, vegan alternatives.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious way to stay fueled during the day, a healthy snack that satisfies, or just a simple recipe to add to your meal prep routine, these vegan granola bars are a perfect choice.

Key Ingredients And Ways To Vary

Who said that playing with your food is a bad thing? When it comes to these vegan granola bars, consider your kitchen a playground, and these key ingredients your fun-loving friends. Each component brings its own personality to the party, and the best part? You can invite some new guests or switch up the guest list anytime to keep things interesting.

  • Shredded Coconut: This is the life of the party, adding a tropical vibe and a texture that makes you want to dance—or at least chew with enthusiasm. It’s not just about the flavor; it’s packed with fiber and healthy fats.
  • Walnuts and Pecans: Think of these as the crunchy heartthrobs of the granola bar world. They’re rich, they’re nutty, and they know how to make everything else around them shine a little brighter. Not feeling the nut love? Toasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds can step in as the new crush.
  • Hemp Seeds and Pumpkin Seeds: These are the quiet achievers, adding a textural pop and a nutritional punch without stealing the spotlight. Loaded with protein and omega-3s, they’re like the secret sauce to feeling good. If you want to mix it up, chia seeds, sesame seeds, or flaxseeds can play the same role, with their own special twist.
  • Quick-Cook Oats: The backbone of our bars, oats keep everything together, offering a chewy texture and a wholesome, grounding base. They’re like that reliable friend who always shows up when you need them. For a different vibe, try using puffed rice for a lighter crunch or use regular rolled oats for a heartier chew.
  • Dates: Dates are the sweet talkers, bringing natural sweetness and stickiness to ensure all the other ingredients get along harmoniously. They’re like the social butterflies of the ingredient world. Not into dates? Apricots or figs can sweep in as the sweet charm.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Just a dash of this spice makes everything nice, adding warmth and depth to the bars. It’s like a cozy hug in flavor form. Want to spice things up? Nutmeg or cardamom, allspice, cloves, or even pumpkin spice can be your next flavor fling.
  • Salt: Just a pinch elevates the flavors, making the sweet taste sweeter and the nutty taste nuttier. It’s the secret whisper in a crowded room that gets everyone’s attention.
  • Peanut Butter: The glue that holds our dreams together, peanut butter adds creaminess and depth, making each bite irresistibly smooth. If peanut butter isn’t your jam, almond butter or cashew butter can step in to smooth things over.
  • Maple Syrup: This sweet drizzle brings a touch of elegance, binding the ingredients with its refined sweetness. Looking for a change? Agave syrup can play the same sweet role.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla is like the final note in this kitchen symphony, subtly enhancing the overall harmony of flavors. It’s the understated elegance that brings a sense of completeness.
Key ingredients for homemade granola bars with labels.

With these ingredients as your starting lineup, feel free to get creative and make a new masterpiece with each batch of vegan granola bars. Whether you’re sticking to the classics or experimenting with substitutions, each bar promises a bite of joy and a dash of fun.

How To Make These Vegan Granola Bars

Whipping up a batch of these homemade vegan granola bars is as easy as pie—actually, it’s easier! With a straightforward process that blends the crunch of nuts and seeds with the sweetness of dates and maple syrup, you’ll have a tray of delicious, nutritious snacks ready in no time. Follow these simple steps to transform a handful of wholesome ingredients into your new favorite grab-and-go treat.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 baking tray with parchment or lightly grease it.

Oats, nuts, and spices in a glass prep bowl.

Step 2: Combine coconut, nuts, seeds, oats, dates, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.

Maple syrup and peanut butter being heated in a skillet.

Step 3: Heat peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small pot until the peanut butter softens, stirring occasionally.

A granola bar mixture being transferred to a baking sheet.

Step 4: Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Transfer to the baking sheet.

Homemade vegan granola bar mixture being pressed down with a glass.

Step 5: Press the mixture evenly. Use your hands or press down with a glass.

Vegan granola bars pressed in a baking tray.

Step 6: Using your oven’s middle rack, bake for 15 minutes.

Vegan granola bars being cut by hand.

Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely, then slice

How To Serve

Serving up these homemade vegan granola bars isn’t just a matter of munching; it’s about adding a dash of joy to your day. Whether you’re dashing out the door or taking a moment to unwind, these bars are ready to make each bite a little celebration.

  • ! You’ve got a breakfast that keeps up with your morning hustle, no crumbs in your car guaranteed. Mix things up and try these vegan blackberry muffins, or vegan pop tarts for a bit of fun.
  • Afternoon Snack Attack: Combat the 3 p.m. slump by pairing a granola bar with your go-to coffee or a zesty herbal tea. It’s like a mini recharge session for your taste buds and your energy levels.
  • Pre-Workout Boost: Give your workout an extra edge with a bar that’s packed with energy. It’s like your personal cheerleader, cheering you on to go the extra mile (or three).
  • Sweet and Savory Dessert: Crumble a bar over a scoop of dairy-free ice cream and sprinkle a little sea salt on top. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your spoon do a happy dance.
  • Elevated Picnics: Impress your picnic pals by showcasing these bars as part of your spread. They’re like the cool guest at the party who brings everyone together—easygoing but totally unforgettable.
  • Gift of Goodness: Wrap a few bars in a charming box or tin as a thoughtful, homemade vegan gift. It’s a way to spread the love, one delicious bite at a time.
Vegan granola bar wrapped in parchment paper.

FAQs

Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe with something else?

Yes, you can easily swap out walnuts and pecans for any other nuts like almonds or cashews. If you’re nut-free, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives, offering a similar crunch and nutritional benefits.

Is it possible to make these granola bars without peanut butter?

Absolutely! If you’re allergic to peanuts or just not a fan, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter can be used as a one-to-one replacement. Each will add its own unique flavor and creaminess to the bars.

What granola bars are vegan?

Many store-bought granola bars contain honey or dairy, so it’s essential to read labels. Look for bars that use plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or agave and don’t include any dairy-derived ingredients. Making your own, like with our recipe, ensures they’re 100% vegan and tailored to your taste.

How do you make homemade vegan granola bars?

Making homemade vegan granola bars is simple and customizable. Start with a base of oats, nuts, and seeds, mix in some natural sweeteners like maple syrup, add flavor with spices and vanilla, and bind everything together with a nut or seed butter. Bake or chill until set, and you’ve got delicious, vegan-friendly snack bars ready to enjoy!

Vegan granola bars on a tabletop.
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Homemade Vegan Granola Bars

Author: World of Vegan
5 from 6 votes
Ready to kick those store-bought snacks to the curb? These vegan granola bars are here to rock your snack time with a mix of nuts, seeds, and natural sweetness that’s just ridiculously satisfying. Packed with everything good and nothing you can’t pronounce, whipping up these bars means you're on your way to a healthy snack in just 30 minutes!
Vegan granola bars on a wooden cutting board surrounded by nuts and seeds.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 bars

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped into small chunks
  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped into small chunks
  • ½ cup hemp seeds
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup quick-cook oats
  • ½ cup dates, roughly chopped into small chunks
  • 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch salt
  • ¾ cup peanut butter
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Gently grease or line an 8×8 baking tray with parchment.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the coconut, nuts, seeds, oats, dates, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  • Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla to a small pot. Mix together and gently heat the mixture until the peanut butter is softened.
  • Pour the mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix together well. You may find it necessary to use your hands.
  • Transfer the mixture to the baking pan and spread it evenly. Press down well. Bake the bars for 15 minutes on the center rack of your oven.
  • Remove the tray from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

How To Store:
Keep your granola bars fresh and fabulous by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a longer shelf life, stash them in the fridge where they’ll keep happily for up to two weeks. If you’re a planner, these bars can be frozen, wrapped individually in parchment and then sealed in a freezer bag, for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or give them a brief microwave zap for a quick, tasty treat.
To Make Them Even Sweeter:
For bars that are even more snackable, press a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of dried fruit onto the top of the mixture before baking. This not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also makes them visually irresistible.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 143mg | Potassium: 414mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 137IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 4mg
Course — Breakfast
Cuisine — American
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Recipe Rating




6 comments
  1. 5 stars
    I’ve never made granola bars at home before and this looks so easy! Can’t wait to give it a try :-).

  2. 5 stars
    All of my favorite ingredients in one place! lol. I’m a total crunch-a-holic and these bars have everything in them that’s delicious in the world – seeds, nuts, peanut butter, maple syrup, cinnamon and coconut. I can’t help but drool as I make them. These bars are really convenient to have on hand when I’m rushing out the door and the fact that they’re so yummy makes it even easier to grab and go. A batch of these granola bars are not only cheaper than conventional bars at the store, but they’re also much healthier and definitely fresher. My husband loves to take these hiking with him. A must try recipe!

  3. 5 stars
    I love the convenience of just grabbing one of these bars as I run out the door. They are delicious and I know I am eating something healthy and nutritious while on the go. Great bars!!!

  4. 5 stars
    Now that I have a little one, homemade vegan granola bars will be a regular in my home! I’m always blown away by how easy they are to make and think: why don’t I make these all the time?!

  5. Beatriz Buono-Core says:

    5 stars
    I adore these granola bars! By making them at home you can avoid all the nasties some of the store-bought brands have and you can add some extras to make sure your little ones have enough energy to get through their day!

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