Have you ever craved a snack that’s not only super tasty but also packed with plant-based protein? I used to find myself reaching for store-bought bars, but something was always missing – either they had nuts, which some of my friends couldn’t enjoy, or they were full of sugar. That’s when I decided to create my own vegan nut-free high-protein granola bars. These are not only delicious but also easy to make and perfect for a healthy boost of energy!

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make these incredible bars, step by step.

Why These Granola Bars are the Perfect Snack

First off, these bars are a lifesaver when you’re short on time and need a grab-and-go snack. Whether it’s for breakfast or a mid-afternoon energy boost, these bars will keep you satisfied without any nuts. They’re loaded with seeds and oats, which provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, helping to keep you full for hours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • Rolled oats: The base of our granola bars, offering fiber and heartiness.
  • Sunflower seed butter: This nut-free option adds creaminess and binds everything together.
  • Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars without refined sugars.
  • Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds: These super seeds pack protein and crunch, making the bars not only nutritious but also satisfying.
  • Chia seeds and ground flaxseed: Both add protein and a boost of omega-3s while helping to bind the bars together.
  • Dried fruit: I love using chopped dates or raisins for a touch of natural sweetness.
  • Optional: Vegan chocolate chips: For those times when you want just a bit of indulgence!

The best part? You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Not a fan of dried fruit? Swap it for coconut flakes or cacao nibs. The possibilities are endless!

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Bars

Now, let’s jump into how to make these delicious granola bars.

1. Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a bit of overhang on the sides – this will make it easier to lift out the bars once they’re firm.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and well-combined. This will be the glue that holds your granola bars together.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

Now, toss in your rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, ground flaxseed, and dried fruit. Stir everything together until it’s all evenly coated in the wet mixture. This is where the magic happens – the mixture should be sticky but not too wet.

4. Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan and press it down firmly with your hands or the back of a spoon. Make sure it’s even across the pan to ensure your bars are uniform in size. If you want to add a little indulgence, sprinkle some vegan chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the mixture.

5. Chill and Set

Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture has firmed up. This will help the bars set and become easy to slice.

6. Slice and Enjoy!

Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice them into bars or squares, and there you have it – delicious vegan nut-free high-protein granola bars ready to enjoy!

Tips for Storing the Bars

These granola bars store beautifully in the fridge. Simply place them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just grab one when you need a quick snack and let it thaw for a few minutes.

Vegan Nut-Free High-Protein Granola Bars

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Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats certified gluten-free if needed
  • ½ cup sunflower seed butter or tahini
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds pepitas
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds
  • ¼ cup dried fruit raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pan:

  • Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, stir together the sunflower seed butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients:

  • Stir in rolled oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, and dried fruit until well combined.

Press into Pan:

  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it down firmly. Add optional vegan chocolate chips and press them lightly into the surface.

Chill:

  • Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.

Slice:

  • Once firm, lift the mixture out of the pan and slice it into bars.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

  • No nuts: Perfect for those with allergies or anyone looking for a nut-free snack.
  • High-protein: Thanks to the combination of seeds and oats, these bars offer a solid protein boost to keep you going.
  • Customizable: You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what you love most.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and have snacks ready for the entire week.

Final Thoughts

Making your own granola bars is not only satisfying but also ensures you know exactly what goes into your snacks. No hidden sugars or preservatives – just wholesome, plant-based ingredients. These vegan nut-free high-protein granola bars are perfect for fueling your day, and they’re super easy to make. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do.

Have you tried making your own granola bars before? What’s your favorite combination of ingredients? Let me know in the comments!