The Ultimate Vegan Oat Granola Bar Recipe: A Simple Guide for Healthy Snacking

Vegan oat granola bars offer a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a wholesome treat any time of day. Bursting with nutty flavor, chewy texture, and packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds, these bars are perfect for breakfast on the go, a midday pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack. This recipe provides a simple guide to creating your own batch of customizable vegan oat granola bars right in your kitchen.

Gathering Your Ingredients

The beauty of granola bars lies in their versatility. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create a flavor combination that speaks to your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Mix-ins:
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped dates
  • 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips

Vegan oat granola bar ingredients arranged neatly in bowls

Creating Your Vegan Oat Granola Bar Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to transform your ingredients into a batch of irresistible granola bars:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
3. Prepare the Binding Agent: In a separate saucepan, combine the maple syrup, almond butter, and melted coconut oil over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are evenly coated.
5. Customize Your Creation: Now is the perfect time to stir in your favorite mix-ins. Whether you prefer the sweetness of dried cranberries, the chewy texture of dates, or the indulgence of vegan chocolate chips, this is your chance to personalize your granola bars.
   Mixing the vegan oat granola bar batter in a bowl
6. Press and Bake: Transfer the granola bar mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan.
7. Golden Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the granola bar mixture is set.
8. Cool and Cut: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This will help them firm up and prevent crumbling. Once cooled, lift the granola bar slab out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into desired bar sizes.

Freshly baked vegan oat granola bars cooling in a pan

Storing Your Homemade Treats

Once completely cool, store your vegan oat granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. This will help maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Vegan Oat Granola Bar Recipe: FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each will lend its unique flavor to your granola bars.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can try other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or brown rice syrup. Keep in mind that the sweetness and consistency may vary slightly.

How can I make the granola bars chewier?

For a chewier texture, you can try increasing the amount of nut butter or adding in a couple of tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal mixed with water, which acts as a binding agent.

What are some other variations for mix-ins?

The possibilities are endless! Try adding chopped dried apricots, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.

Can I make these granola bars gluten-free?

To make gluten-free granola bars, ensure you’re using certified gluten-free rolled oats and verify that all other ingredients are free from gluten.

These homemade vegan oat granola bars are a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying snack that nourishes your body and tantalizes your taste buds. So go ahead, grab your apron, and embark on a flavor-packed journey with this easy-to-follow recipe!