Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously healthy snack that you can whip up in just 30 minutes? These Homemade Vegan Granola Bars are not only packed with wholesome ingredients, but they also offer the perfect balance of crunch and chewiness that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars have got you covered! Plus, with customizable ingredients, you can make them your own. Dive into this easy recipe and discover how to make your very own batch of delightful granola bars that everyone will love!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried fruit, chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of chopped mixed nuts, and 1/4 cup of chopped dried fruit. Stir well to ensure the oats and nuts are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of almond butter, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, mix everything together until the oats, nuts, and dried fruit are fully coated with the almond butter mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use the spatula or your hands to press it down firmly and evenly into the dish. This step is crucial for the granola bars to hold together once baked.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment overhang, lift the granola out of the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- After the granola has cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 bars. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Tips
- Customize Your Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out the mixed nuts and dried fruit with your favorites! Try adding seeds, chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes for a unique twist.
- Don’t Skip the Pressing: When transferring the mixture to the baking dish, make sure to press it down firmly. This step is essential for ensuring your granola bars hold together after baking.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the granola bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want them to be golden brown but not burnt.
- Cool Completely: Allow the granola bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps them firm up and makes slicing much easier.
- Storage Tips: Store your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
- Make a Double Batch: These bars are so good, you might want to make a double batch! They freeze well, so you can always have a healthy snack on hand.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
