Vegan Breakfast Bars Recipe – Irresistibly Nutritious Snacks

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Waking up to a hectic morning schedule often leaves little bit of time for a nutritious breakfast, pushing us towards quick, less healthy options.

I discovered this first-hand, struggling to balance my vegan lifestyle with my non-stop days. That’s when I stumbled upon the game-changer: vegan breakfast bars. 

This recipe aligns with my dietary choices and fits seamlessly into my morning rush. Crafted from a mix of hearty, wholesome ingredients, these bars have become my go-to for starting the day right.

They offer the perfect blend of convenience and health, ensuring I no longer have to sacrifice one for the other.

Join me as I share how these healthy breakfast bars transformed my mornings, offering a delicious solution to a common dilemma.

What Are Vegan Breakfast Bars?

Vegan breakfast bars are nutritious and convenient for the day’s first meal. They are made entirely from plant-based ingredients. They typically consist of types of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, all bound together without animal products.

These bars are designed to be easy to make, portable, and versatile, catering to various tastes and dietary needs.

Ideal for busy mornings or as a quick snack, vegan breakfast bars provide a wholesome, energy-boosting alternative to traditional breakfast options without compromising on taste or nutrition.

Quick Fact: Vegan breakfast bars are a convenient and nutritious option for on-the-go eating, offering a blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from entirely plant-based ingredients.

Recipe Directions

• Preheat The Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with foil. This step ensures that your bars can be easily removed once baked.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes ¾ cup gluten-free rolled oats, ¼ cup gluten-free oat flour, ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut flakes, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: Prepare the wet mixture in a separate, medium-sized bowl. Whisk together 2 flax eggs (prepared by mixing 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds with 6 tablespoons water and letting it sit for 15 minutes), 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons natural, unsalted nut or seed butter, ¼ cup coconut sugar, and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth.
• Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Use a rubber spatula to fold and mix until the components are well combined, ensuring no dry spots.
• Add Extras: Fold in ⅔ cup of your chosen add-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit, into the mixture. This step allows for customization based on your preferences or dietary needs.
• Prepare For Baking: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it into an even layer, pressing down firmly to ensure compactness. If using, lightly press additional toppings into the surface of the dough.
• Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. The exact time may vary, but 25 minutes is a good average. You’re looking for the edges to be slightly golden and the center set.
• Cool: After baking, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 1 hour or until completely cool. This rest time helps the bars to set, making them easier to slice.
• Slice And Serve: Once cooled, lift the entire block of bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper as handles. Slice into 16 equal bars. These bars are now ready to be enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast or healthy snack.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Protein-Packed: Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost.
• Grain-Free Option: Substitute quick oats and oat flour with almond or coconut flour for a grain-free version.
• Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter and replace nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds in the add-ins.

Add-Ons

• Fruits: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, or cherries for natural sweetness and texture.
• Nuts And Seeds: For added crunch and nutrients, add chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, or a mix of seeds such as chia, hemp, or flaxseeds.
• Superfoods: Mix superfoods like goji berries, cacao nibs, or matcha powder for a healthful twist.
• Spices: Enhance flavors with spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice. Adjust the amount of cinnamon or add these to complement the existing flavors.

Toppings

• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt vegan chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
• Nut Butter Glaze: Thin out nut butter with a little maple syrup and drizzle over the bars for added richness.
• Coconut Topping: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top before baking for a crispy finish.
• Seed Crunch: Add a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and crushed nuts on top for extra texture and nutrition.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms: Great for replacing meat due to their umami flavor and meaty texture. Portobello mushrooms can substitute for beef in burgers.
• Jackfruit: Unripe jackfruit has a texture similar to pulled pork or chicken, ideal for tacos and sandwiches.
• Cauliflower: Can mimic chicken or beef, especially when roasted or used in stir-fries.
• Eggplant: Its spongy texture absorbs flavors well, making it suitable for replacing lamb or beef in dishes like moussaka or lasagna.
• Lentils: A hearty alternative to ground meat in sauces, stews, and veggie burgers.
• Butternut Squash: Offers a sweet, nutty taste for creamy soups or as a filling in ravioli, replacing cheese or meat.
• Beets: Their earthy flavor and firm texture make them a good stand-in for fish in vegan sushi or tartare.
• Zucchini: When spiralized, it becomes a perfect substitute for noodles in pasta dishes.
• Chickpeas: Can replace chicken or tuna in salads and sandwiches for a protein boost.
• Sweet Potatoes: Their versatility and sweetness work well in savory and sweet dishes, replacing meat or adding bulk.

Quick Tip: For a smoother blend in vegan baking, soak nuts and dates for at least an hour before processing. This softens them, enhancing the texture and flavor of your treats.

Best Side Dishes

1. Fresh Fruit Salad A colorful mix of fruits provides vitamins and a refreshing contrast to the dense bars.
2. Vegan Yogurt A dollop of plant-based yogurt adds creaminess and probiotics for a gut health boost.
3. Smoothie Blend a nutrient-packed smoothie with greens, fruits, and plant milk for a drinkable breakfast.
4. Chia Pudding A high-fiber, protein-rich pudding made with chia seeds and almond milk complements the bars’ texture.
5. Nut Milk Latte A warm, frothy latte made with almond, oat, or soy milk offers a comforting beverage choice.
6. Avocado Toast A slice of whole-grain bread topped with mashed avocado adds healthy fats and fiber.
7. Vegan Scramble A tofu scramble seasoned with turmeric, nutritional yeast, and veggies makes for a hearty side.
8. Roasted Nuts A handful of roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts provides extra crunch and protein.
9. Oatmeal A warm bowl of oatmeal flavored with cinnamon and maple syrup offers a cozy, comforting option.
10. Vegetable Juice A glass of fresh-pressed vegetable juice delivers vitamins and minerals in a refreshing form.

How To Serve?

• As a Quick Breakfast: Grab a bar out the door for a convenient and filling breakfast that doesn’t compromise nutrition or taste.
• With Plant-Based Yogurt: Serve a bar with your favorite vegan yogurt. This pairing adds creaminess and can be enhanced with fresh berries or granola sprinkles for extra texture and flavor.
• Alongside a Smoothie: Pair a vegan breakfast bar with a nutrient-packed smoothie for a balanced and energizing meal. The combination of solid food and a refreshing drink can be very satisfying.
• As a Pre/Post-Workout Snack: Their balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats makes these bars an excellent snack to fuel your workout or aid recovery.
• Dessert Option: For a sweet treat, lightly warm a bar and serve it with a scoop of vegan ice cream or drizzle with a bit of vegan chocolate sauce or peanut or cashew butter.
• Tea or Coffee Companion: Enjoy a vegan breakfast bar as a mid-morning or afternoon snack, accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee. The bars’ sweetness beautifully complements the bitterness of the beverages.
• Customized Toppings: To enhance the flavor, add a spread of almond butter, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
• School Lunches: These bars are a great addition to any lunchbox and provide a healthy, homemade treat for kids and adults alike.

Quick Tip: Store your vegan breakfast bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep them refrigerated or freeze individually wrapped bars for longer shelf life for quick snacks.

Storage & Make Ahead

• Storage: The vegan breakfast bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Make Ahead: These bars are perfect for meal prep. Prepare a batch ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To enjoy them warm, simply heat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Making them ahead saves time and ensures you have a nutritious breakfast or snack ready whenever you need it.

Fact: Vegan breakfast bars often include flaxseeds or chia seeds, which are not only egg substitutes but also rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart and brain health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Vegan Breakfast Bars Nut-Free?

Yes, you can make these bars nut-free by substituting nut butter with seed butter, such as sunflower seed butter.

Also, nut add-ins should be replaced with pumpkin seeds, sunflower, or hemp seeds to maintain the crunchy texture without using nuts.Ensure all other ingredients are nut-free to make the recipe safe for those with nut allergies.

How Long Do Vegan Breakfast Bars Last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, vegan breakfast bars can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months. If frozen, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.

Are These Breakfast Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes, these bars are gluten-free if you use gluten-free rolled oats and oat flour. It’s important to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you’re serving them to someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Can I Use Fresh Fruit Instead Of Dried Fruit?

Using fresh fruit in these bars can introduce too much moisture, potentially resulting in soggy bars. Sticking with dried fruits, which offer concentrated sweetness and flavor without excess moisture, is best. If you want to incorporate fresh fruit, consider serving it on the side or on top of the bars just before eating.

How Can I Ensure My Bars Are Chewy And Not Too Hard?

To achieve a chewy texture, don’t overbake the bars. Baking them until they’re set and the edges are slightly golden will help keep them chewy.

Additionally, flax eggs, nut butter, and melted coconut oil contribute to a moist, chewy texture. Letting the bars cool completely before slicing also helps retain their chewiness.