These homemade vegan granola bars are a healthy snack that are quick and easy to make. They are perfect for breakfast on the go and great to eat post work out.
One thing I love about this recipe is that you can customise it to suit your tastes. It’s so easy to change the nuts for different types or leave some out, add chocolate chips or use peanut butter instead of almond butter.
Most shop bought granola bars and many homemade varieties are made using loads of sugar and butter or coconut oil to make a syrup which sticks everything together and is frankly really delicious but not super healthy. I’ve made my recipe just as delicious but also healthier by using a combination of dates and maple syrup to give a satisfying and chewy vegan granola bar.
These granola bars are:
- vegan
- gluten free
- refined sugar free
- oil free
- quick and easy to make
- so yummy! 🙂
What makes this recipe healthy?
These vegan granola bars are made healthier by using wholefood ingredients including:
- whole rolled oats which are a good source of carbohydrates and fibre. Oats are naturally gluten free, however, due to cross contamination be sure to use oats that are certified as gluten free and check with people who are coeliac to see if they can tolerate oats or not.
- sunflower seeds are high in protein and rich in healthy fats. They are also an excellent source of iron and zinc as well as other nutrients.
- pumpkin seeds are a good source of antioxidants, magnesium, zinc and fatty acids.
- A combination of almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts provide plenty of protein, healthy fats, magnesium and fibre.
- dates provide various antioxidants, are high in fibre and potassium and make an excellent natural sweetener.
- maple syrup is another great replacement for refined sweeteners and contains minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium.
How to make homemade granola bars
- The coconut, nuts and seeds will take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- The oats take approximately 15-20 minutes
Variations:
- Try adding 1/4 cup chocolate chips or pieces, let the mixture cool enough that the chocolate won’t melt.
- Change the nuts to a variety of your choosing.
- Add 1/4 cup sultanas, raisins or other dried fruits.
- Add 1-2 tbsp Hemps seeds.
- Try spices such as 1/2 tsp cinnamon or cardamom.
- Use peanut butter instead of almond butter.
For more easy no bake recipes try:
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If you have any comments or questions on how to make this, please leave a comment in the comments section below!
If you made these and share on Instagram, I would love to see them, please tag me @sweeterwithdates and #sweeterwithdates
homemade vegan granola bars
Equipment
- Food Processor
- 20 x 30cm baking tray
- kitchen scales
- mixing bowl and spoon
Ingredients
- 90 g desiccated coconut (1 cup)
- 170 g rolled oats (2 cups)
- 70 g sunflower seeds (1/2 cup)
- 70 g pumpkin seeds (1/2 cup)
- 50 g cashews (1/4 cup)
- 50 g almonds (1/4 cup)
- 50 g walnuts (1/4 cup)
- 50 g pistachios (1/4 cup)
- 180 g medjool dates, pitted (1 cup/12 dates)
- 40 g almond spread (2 tbsp)
- 125 ml maple syrup (1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F.
- Place nuts, seeds, coconut and oats on baking trays and toast for 10-20 minutes or until golden.
- Use separate trays for ingredients with different baking times.
- Coconut, nuts and seeds approx. 10 minutes and oats approx. 15-20 minutes
- Add toasted ingredients to a mixing bowl.
- Using a food processor, blend the dates until they are broken down and sticky.
- In a small saucepan heat the almond butter and maple syrup until blended and just starting to simmer.
- Add the blended dates and heated almond butter, maple syrup mix to the dry ingredients and mix to combine.
- The mixture will be quite thick and you may find it easier to mix by hand.
- Add mixture to a lined baking pan, press down flat and refrigerate to harden.
- Once hardened, cut into bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or for longer storage, store in the freezer.
Notes
- Try adding 1/4 cup chocolate chips or pieces.
- Change the nuts to a variety of your choosing.
- 1-2 tbsp Hemps seeds.
- Spices such as 1/2 tsp cinnamon or cardamom.
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