Name: Vegan Granola Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter; 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans); 1/4 cup seeds (chia, flax, or sunflower seeds); 1/3 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade vegan granola bars are not only budget-friendly and simple to prepare, but they’re also endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking to meal prep healthy snacks or reduce your reliance on store-bought bars with additives, this recipe checks all the boxes. Naturally sweetened, loaded with texture, and free from refined sugar, dairy, and animal products, they’re a tasty and nourishing grab-and-go option.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rolled oats
almond butter or peanut butter
maple syrup or agave
chopped nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
seeds (like chia, flax, or sunflower seeds)
dried fruit (like cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates)
vanilla extract
pinch of salt
dark chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the nut butter and maple syrup until smooth and combined.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is coated.
Fold in chocolate chips if using (allow the mixture to cool slightly first to avoid melting them).
Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a spatula or your hands.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once set, cut into bars or squares and store as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10–12 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter and omit nuts in favor of more seeds or oats.
Add protein: Mix in a scoop of plant-based protein powder.
Chocolate lovers: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before chilling.
Coconut flavor: Add shredded coconut or use coconut oil in the wet mixture.
Spiced version: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
They can also be frozen for up to 2 months — just separate layers with parchment paper.
No reheating is necessary. Simply thaw briefly if frozen or enjoy straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the bars will be softer and less chewy.

Are these granola bars gluten-free?

They are if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I bake these bars?

Yes. Press the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes for a firmer, toasted bar.

How do I keep the bars from falling apart?

Press the mixture very firmly into the pan and chill them thoroughly before slicing.

What’s a good binder if I don’t use nut butter?

Sunflower seed butter or tahini work well as nut-free binders.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, just decrease the amount of maple syrup slightly or use mashed banana as a partial replacement.

What’s the best way to pack these for lunch?

Wrap individually in parchment or store in small containers for easy grab-and-go snacking.

Can I add chocolate without it melting?

Let the mixture cool a bit before folding in chocolate chips, or sprinkle them on top after pressing the mixture in the pan.

How long do they last at room temperature?

They’ll stay good for about 2–3 days at room temperature, but refrigeration keeps them fresher longer.

Can I skip the seeds or dried fruit?

Yes, just replace them with more oats or nuts to keep the ratios balanced.

Conclusion

Vegan Granola Bars are the perfect snack to keep on hand for busy days, travel, school lunches, or whenever hunger strikes. They’re easy to make, deliciously chewy, and completely customizable to your taste preferences. Wholesome and satisfying, these bars prove that healthy eating can still feel like a treat.