Wholesome Vegan Energy Bars for a Refreshing Snack
Dearest reader, allow me to introduce you to a delectable and healthy treat that will give you the energy to conquer your day – vegan energy bars! As a vegan chef, it is my mission to create delicious and nutritious dishes that are not only good for the body but also good for the soul.
These vegan energy bars are packed with wholesome ingredients such as oats, almond butter, applesauce, and flax seeds. They are high in protein and fiber, making them the perfect snack to help you power through your busy day.
Not only are these energy bars a great source of nutrients, but they are also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of homemade energy bars that will nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or an on-the-go breakfast option, these vegan energy bars are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So put on your apron and let’s bake some delicious and healthy homemade energy bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear reader, I implore you to take a moment and let me tell you about this scrumptious vegan energy bars recipe. I can assure you that once you taste these homemade bars, you will be completely smitten.
First of all, let me highlight the most significant point: these energy bars are HEALTHY! Yes, you heard it right – healthy! They are overflowing with whole food ingredients like rolled oats, almond butter, and ground flaxseeds. Each bite is packed with fiber, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients that your body needs to keep going throughout the day.
Secondly, these vegan granola bars are very versatile. You can modify them to match any flavor profile that you desire. Add some carob chips for a chocolatey twist or some dried fruit for a tropical punch. These bars are your canvas to create your personal masterpiece.
Thirdly, making your own energy bars helps in reducing waste and saving money from expensive store bought ones that are often packed with preservatives and artificial ingredients.
Lastly, these bars are so easy to make that even an amateur cook could prepare them without any difficulty. With just a few simple steps involving mixing and baking accompanied by simple tools such as baking sheets and bowls, these vegan energy bars will be ready before you know it!
In conclusion, my dearest reader, nothing beats feeling good while enjoying the heavenly taste of healthy homemade vegan energy bars. Whip up a batch of these and satisfy your cravings while staying on track with your health goals. Trust me when I say that these delicious treats worth falling head-over-heels for!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious vegan energy bars:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats (gluten-free oats can also be used)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup ground flax seeds
- 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup carob chips or chocolate chips (use vegan chocolate chips for vegan bars)
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, dates, cranberries, etc.)
Note: Don’t worry if some ingredients are not available. I’ll provide you with substitutions and variations in the next section.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gone through the introduction, why you’ll love this recipe, and the list of ingredients needed for our vegan energy bars recipe, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to make healthy and delicious homemade energy bars.
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, turbinado sugar, salt, baking soda, ground flax seeds and water until well combined.
Mixing wet and dry ingredients
Add in the applesauce, almond butter, peanut butter and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a spatula or your hands until it forms a sticky dough.
Adding extras
Fold in your choice of optional extras: chopped walnuts, carob chips or dried fruit.
Pressing in pan
Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using a spatula or your hands.
Baking
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let it cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Slicing
Once cooled, slice into individual bars or squares. They are now ready to serve!
By following these simple instructions of mixing wet and dry ingredients together in a specific order and baking them until golden brown on top you can make healthy homemade vegan energy bars.
Substitutions and Variations
Dear esteemed audience,
If you are looking to switch up this vegan energy bars recipe, here are some ingredient substitutions and variations you can make to personalize your bars.
Instead of almond butter, feel free to use natural peanut butter or any nut butter you prefer. Not a fan of applesauce? Try mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin for a different flavor profile. Swap out the turbinado sugar for light brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
For those avoiding gluten, using certified gluten-free old fashioned oats and whole wheat flour work perfectly fine in this recipe.
In terms of mix-ins, substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds or omit the nuts completely. If you don’t have carob chips, use vegan chocolate chips or dried fruit such as chopped dates, raisins, or cranberries instead. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, or dried coconut flakes are other great options to add protein and texture to your bars.
If you prefer a sugar-free version, you can skip the added sugars entirely and stick with natural sweetness from dates or maple syrup.
To make these bars more protein-packed and suitable for post-workout snacks or breakfast on-the-go, use vegan protein powder or peanut butter powder in place of some of the flour called for in the recipe.
Get creative with your additions and play around with different combinations – this recipe is highly customizable!
Happy baking!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these scrumptious vegan energy bars, it’s time to enjoy them! One way to savor these delicious bites is by pairing them with your favorite hot beverage. Whether a cup of tea or coffee, these energy bars make for the perfect accompaniment to enhance the flavors of the beverage.
If you’re looking for a quick snack on-the-go, these bars can be eaten solo as well. They are perfect for lunch bags or an afternoon pick-me-up at work or school. You can also pack them when hiking or traveling due to their portability and long shelf life.
These vegan energy bars are versatile and can be enjoyed any time of day- whether it’s for breakfast, a mid-day snack or dessert after a meal. To add some extra pizzazz to your indulgence, drizzle them with melted peanut butter or almond butter, and sprinkle some shredded coconut on top.
Lastly, you can get creative with how you choose to serve and pair these treats. You can chop them up into small pieces and scatter them over a smoothie bowl for added texture and protein. You can crumble them over oatmeal, yogurt or even ice cream for added nutrients and crunchiness.
The bottom line is that these vegan energy bars offer endless possibilities when it comes to serving and pairing options- all while guaranteeing a satisfying and healthy indulgence!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
A true virtue, my dear reader, about these vegan energy bars is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. They are perfect for a healthy snack on-the-go or for hiking trips, as they provide an instant boost of energy. Once baked and cooled, the bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.
If storing longer than a week, I recommend wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply remove from the freezer and let thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
To reheat, my dearest reader, simply place one (or more) bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Do avoid overheating them as this may lead to toughening.
You will find that these energy bars maintain their chewy texture even after being frozen and reheated. Oh! It is such happiness when one can prepare food ahead of time and have it ready whenever necessary.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a vegan chef, I’ve learned some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that my energy bars come out perfectly every time. Here are some of my go-to strategies for making the best energy bars possible:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make all the difference in the final product. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and opt for organic and non-GMO options whenever possible.
2. Measure precisely: When it comes to baking, precision is key. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that you’re adding just the right amounts of each ingredient. This will help ensure that your bars turn out consistent and delicious every time.
3. Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy energy bars. Mix your ingredients just until they’re combined, then stop.
4. Adjust cooking time as needed: Different ovens can have different temperatures, so keep an eye on your bars as they bake. If they seem to be browning too quickly or not cooking through in the center, adjust the temperature or cooking time as needed.
5. Experiment with flavors and add-ins: One of the great things about energy bars is that there are endless possibilities when it comes to flavors and add-ins. Try adding dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to your bars for a tasty twist.
6. Let them cool before cutting: It can be tempting to cut into your energy bars right away, but it’s important to let them cool completely first. This will help them hold together better and prevent crumbling.
By following these simple tips, you can create healthy, delicious energy bars at home that will keep you fueled up and satisfied all day long!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these vegan energy bars are a game-changer for those living a healthy and active lifestyle. With the perfect combination of protein, whole grains, and healthy fats, they are the ideal snack for anyone on the go. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavors and ingredients.
Whether you prefer almond butter or peanut butter, carob chips or dark chocolate, these bars can be tailored to your taste buds. And with simple substitutions such as gluten-free oats and sugar-free sweeteners, they can fit into almost any dietary restriction.
So take a break from store-bought snacks full of artificial ingredients and preservatives and step into the world of healthy homemade treats. Not only will you enjoy the delicious taste and energy-boosting benefits of these vegan energy bars, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into them.
One degree of separation from unhealthy snacking is all it takes to live a healthier and more energized life. So give this vegan energy bar recipe a try and take the first step towards a happier and healthier you.
Vegan Energy Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
- 6 tablespoons water
- 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chopped dried apricot
- 1/2 cup carob chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup turbinado sugar or 1 cup organic light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup brown rice syrup (Lundberg Sweet Dreams)
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/2 cup almond butter or 1/2 cup peanut butter
Instructions
- Mix the flax and water together and let it soak.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine oats, flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir in apricots, carob chips, and walnuts.
- Wisk together sugar, rice syrup, almond butter, applesauce, and soaked flax.
- Stir in oat mixture.
- Spread mixture in 9x13 pre-sprayed pan and pat down firmly.
- Bake 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.