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Nuts and Twigs » Recipes » Vegan Snack Recipes

Classic Vegan Granola Bars

Published: Aug 24, 2023 · Modified: Jan 5, 2025 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Looking for the ultimate snack that's perfectly crunchy, nutritious, and delicious? You've landed on the right page! This classic homemade vegan granola bar recipe combines wholesome oats, nuts, and fruits into a fantastic crunchy treat for any occasion.

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If you’re craving more snack ideas, check out my list of 20 Quick and Easy Plant-Based Snacks Ideas to keep your snack game strong!

sliced vegan granola bars stacked top view

A vegan granola bar is a delicious treat that knows no time of day or season!

This bar is the Goldilocks of granola bars - not too soft, not too hard, just right. It’s perfectly crunchy, healthy, wallet-friendly, and oh-so-tasty. It's great to have ready in my purse for a quick snack on the fly.

These bars are perfect for children and adults, making them an excellent addition to lunchboxes as a convenient on-the-go snack. For more snack and lunch ideas for kids, visit Vegan School Lunch Ideas For Kids.

You can eat these bars along with some Homemade Movie Theater Popcorn or Homemade Vegan Banana Ice Cream. Look at these desserts and snacks for some other great treats.

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love These Bars
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • How to Make Classic Vegan Granola Bars
  • Top Tips
  • Storage
  • Vegan Granola Bars FAQS
  • More Delicious Vegan Snacks
  • Vegan Classic Granola Bars
  • Comments

Why You'll Love These Bars

  • By skipping the store-bought bars, you can get creative, make a cool project in the kitchen with the kids, and whip up some homemade vegan granola bars fast!
  • These bars are vegan and gluten-free.
  • Grab-and-go friendly, they're perfect for busy mornings, travel, outdoor activities like hiking, or lunch boxes.
  • Homemade vegan granola bars are a great cost-effective alternative.
  • Making your own means you control what goes in, so no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors.
vegan granola bars side top view

Ingredients

You can have delicious, homemade vegan granola bars with just a few ingredients. See the recipe card for measurements.

individual bowls for ingredients for vegan granola bars
  • Rolled Oats: I would not substitute rolled oats, but you can combine them with puffed quinoa or spelt flakes for different textures and flavors. Ensure it equals the same amount as the recipe calls for to maintain the volume and ratio of dry and wet ingredients.
  • Almonds and walnuts: Cashews, hazelnuts, or pecans would all work well for nut substitutions. For a nut-free option, you can use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
  • Shredded Coconut: If you're not a fan of coconut, you can simply omit it or replace it with extra nuts, seeds, or even some flaxseed meal for texture.
  • Brown Rice Syrup: Date syrup will also work in this recipe. However, this recipe does not work with agave or maple syrup because the bars do not stick together. It becomes a crumbly granola that is still delicious if you're looking for granola to top ice cream, but it's not what this recipe aims for. If you need to use either one, the bars need a little extra support from ¼ cup of melted coconut oil to stay together.
  • Peanut Butter: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are fantastic alternatives if you want to change the flavor or need a peanut-free option.
  • Vanilla Extract: Sub with almond extract, orange extract, or even a splash of bourbon for an adult twist.
  • Cranberries/Raisins: Dried cherries, apricots, figs, or dates can be chopped and used instead of cranberries or raisins for a change in flavor and texture.

Variations

  • These granola bars are crunchy. If you like them a little softer, skip the baking and leave them in the fridge for a chewier bar.
  • Use macadamia nuts and cashews and mix in dried mango and shredded coconut. Use nutmeg instead of cinnamon.
  • Use hazelnuts and chia seeds instead of the nuts in the recipe. Add one tablespoon or two of cocoa powder for a deep chocolate taste.
  • Add about ½ cup of dried sweet banana chips to the mixture.

How to Make Classic Vegan Granola Bars

Here's what you'll be doing at a glance. See the recipe card for details and more info.

mixing liquid granola ingredients after microwaving top view

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, heat the brown rice syrup, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt in the microwave and stir until smooth and easy to mix.

adding dry granola ingredients to wet ingredients top view

Step 2: Pour the rolled oats, chopped almonds, walnuts, shredded coconut, and cranberries into the bowl with the warmed-up mixture.

mixing all vegan granola indredients together top view

Step 3: Mix until well combined. When mixing everything, the batter should be cohesive and sticky but not overly wet.

adding chocolate chips to the granola top view

Step 4: Wait until the mixture is cool enough to fold in the vegan chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.

pouring granola mixture into baking pan with a spoon top view

Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

pressing down with a glass on vegan granola mixture topped with parchment paper

Step 6: Cover with parchment paper. Press the granola mixture down with the back of a large spoon, spatula, or bottom of a glass.

baked vegan granola in baking dish top view

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

stirring melted chocolate chips in a bowl top view

Step 8: Optional - Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stirring every 40 seconds until you get a runny consistency.

adding chocolate topping with a spoon to vegan granola top view

Step 9: Drizzle chocolate over the granola in a pattern and place in the freezer or refrigerator until the chocolate has hardened. Optional - add some sea salt before placing it in the fridge.

sliced vegan granola on parchment paper top view

Step 10: Remove from refrigerator. Using the parchment paper to help you, lift the granola from the baking dish and place it on a flat surface. Slice it into bars.

Top Tips

  • Do not substitute the brown rice syrup with maple syrup and agave. It will turn into crumbly granola. While still tasty, the result was far from the firm bars I aimed for.
  • If you're keen on using maple syrup in your recipe, adding ¼ cup of melted coconut oil is essential. The texture will be softer, plus much more fat and calorie-dense.
  • If you decide to substitute any ingredients in the recipe, make sure to preserve the ratio between the wet and dry components. Maintaining this balance is crucial for the mixture to form bars rather than crumble.
sliced vegan granola bars  with sea salt top view

Storage

Keep your granola in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to a week. If you save them any longer, refrigerate them for up to a month. It will keep in the freezer for about three months.

sliced vegan granola top view

Vegan Granola Bars FAQS

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in granola bars?

Rolled oats are generally preferred for granola bars as they hold their shape and give a nice texture. Quick oats might become a bit mushy. But hey, if that's what you have on hand, give it a shot and see how it turns out!

Are vegan granola bars gluten-free?

This granola recipe is gluten-free, but ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free oats and haven't been contaminated through processing in a facility that handles gluten-containing foods.

My granola bar mixture seems too dry/wet. What do I do?

When mixing everything together, the batter should be cohesive and slightly sticky but not overly wet. If it's too dry, add more wet ingredients like the syrup, a tablespoon at a time. If it is too wet, add more dry ingredients like oats or seeds to reach the desired consistency.

Can I make vegan granola bars without baking?

You can chill the mixture in the fridge for a few hours instead of baking. The texture may be softer but still delicious.

sliced vegan granola bars top view

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    Mini Vegan Banana Muffins 

Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Vegan Classic Granola Bars. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

sliced vegan granola bars stacked top view

Vegan Classic Granola Bars

Regi Pearce
This quick, crunchy, classic homemade vegan granola bar recipe combines wholesome oats, nuts, and fruits into a fantastic treat for any occasion.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course breakfast, snack
Cuisine American, Vegan
Servings 8 servings
Calories 416 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup almonds chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • ½ cup shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup cranberries or raisins

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown rice syrup or date syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredients

  • ¼ cup chocolate chips optional
  • sea salt optional
  • ¼ cup chocolate chips optional for drizzling over the top
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Preperation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan or a 6x8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the syrup, creamy peanut butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
  • Heat the mixture: Place the mixture in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. Stir and heat again (if necessary) until you get a thin consistency that is easy to mix.
  • Add the dry ingredients: Add the rolled oats, chopped almonds, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, and cranberries to the warmed mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined. It should be sticky but not wet.
  • Add the chocolate chips: (optional) When the mixture cools down, fold in the vegan chocolate chips if using.
  • Transfer the mixture: Place the mixture in a prepared baking pan and cover with parchment paper. Press down firmly with the back of a spoon, spatula, or the bottom of a cup to compress the granola mixture tightly.
  • Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove and let cool.
  • Optional melted chocolate and sea salt: After the granola has cooled (and before slicing), melt ¼ cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl until runny to drizzle over the bars. When the granola bars cool completely, drizzle the chocolate over the bars with a spoon or spatula. Add sea salt over the top if desired.
  • Refrigerate: Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove from refrigerator and slice: Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. See the post for other storage options.

Video

Notes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. Use a nutritional app like Cronometer to get information on the exact ingredients and amounts you are using. The estimates for the nutrition profile include chocolate chips, cranberries, and chocolate drizzle for the top.
See the post for variations and substitutions.
Oats themselves don't contain gluten, but the reason they might not always be considered gluten-free has to do with how they're processed and where they're grown. So check your package to make sure they are gluten-free if necessary.
When melting chocolate in the microwave, stop it every 40 seconds and stir until you get a runny consistency. Chocolate will burn in the microwave, so watch it carefully. 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 173mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 24g | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg
Keywords batch cook, budget friendly, family friendly
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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About Regi Pearce

Hello! I am Regi, the creator of Nuts & Twigs. I debunk the myths that vegan food is all nuts and twigs and offer plant-based scrumptiousness that goes far beyond that "rabbit food" stereotype. So grab your fork and put on your stretchy pants, 'cause you're gonna want seconds.

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Hailey P says

    August 24, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    5 stars
    They’re too good 🙂

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      October 23, 2023 at 6:49 pm

      Wow, 'too good' is the kind of problem I love to have! I'm thrilled to hear you're enjoying the classic vegan granola bars that much. Thanks for trying them out and taking a moment to share your thoughts.

      Reply

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Regina Pearce

I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. My husband, Rob, and I live in Colorado. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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