If you’re craving a wholesome snack that bursts with fruity flavor and wholesome goodness, this Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine chewy, toasted oats combined with the natural sweetness of freeze-dried strawberries, all held together by a luscious agave and coconut oil syrup. It’s a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and just the right touch of sweetness, making these bars ideal for breakfast on-the-go, a midday pick-me-up, or an energizing treat after your workout. Once you try this recipe, these vibrant and nourishing bars will quickly become one of your favorite snacks to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet powerful ingredients form the backbone of this Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, depth of flavor, and that irresistible chewiness. From oats offering hearty fiber to vanilla pea protein adding a nutritious boost, this list is easy to shop for and even easier to love.
- Rolled oats (2 ½ cups / 230g): The base of your bars, providing a hearty, chewy texture and wholesome energy.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1 cup / 22g): These pack concentrated strawberry flavor with a vibrant red color and delightful bite.
- Whole flax seed (3 tbsp / 30g): Adds crunch, omega-3s, and helps with binding the bars naturally.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup / 55g): Brings warmth and sweetness that balances perfectly with the tart strawberries.
- Coconut oil (¼ cup / 55g): Gives a mild tropical richness and helps the bars hold their shape.
- Agave syrup (¼ cup / 60ml): Natural plant-based sweetener that adds sticky binding and subtle floral notes.
- Vanilla-flavored pea protein (6 tbsp / 38g): Boosts protein content while adding a lovely vanilla fragrance.
- Salt (¼ tsp / 2g): Enhances all the flavors, making everything taste more balanced and vibrant.
How to Make Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe
Step 1: Toast the oats
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the rolled oats evenly in a layer on the baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes. Give them a good stir to redistribute and return them to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, until they’re just lightly toasted. This step deepens the flavor and gives a satisfying crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the syrup mixture
While the oats toast, take a saucepan and combine the coconut oil, brown sugar, agave syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves, then bring the blend to a boil. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to thicken the mixture, then take it off the heat. This sticky, sweet syrup will glue your bars together deliciously.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, freeze-dried strawberries, and whole flax seeds. The freeze-dried strawberries add bursts of fruity flavor and a fun color splash that brighten the bars visually and taste-wise.
Step 4: Add the protein powder
Once the syrup has stopped bubbling, stir in the vanilla-flavored pea protein powder until the syrup is smooth and well blended. This adds important plant-based protein, making these bars both tasty and nourishing.
Step 5: Combine everything
Pour the warm syrup mixture over the oat and strawberry combination. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated in the sticky syrup, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 6: Shape and chill the bars
Press the mixture firmly into an 8” x 8” square baking pan lined with parchment paper, using a spatula to compact it evenly while the syrup is still warm. Cover loosely to let steam escape, then chill the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the bars to set firmly so they hold together when you cut and enjoy them.
Step 7: Cut and store
After chilling, cut the mixture into 10 generous bars. Wrap each one in parchment or store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy. These bars are ready to be your go-to snack anytime!
How to Serve Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle a few more freeze-dried strawberries or even some finely chopped nuts over the bars before serving. A light drizzle of natural almond butter or vegan yogurt on the side can make the presentation feel extra special and add some creaminess.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a smoothie bowl, making your snack or breakfast truly wholesome and satisfying. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or a warming herbal tea to complement the natural sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform these Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe treats into adorable mini bites by cutting them into smaller squares or even triangles, perfect for party platters or lunchboxes. Wrap individual bars with colorful parchment and a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone would adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars wrapped in parchment or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator where they will remain chewy and flavorful for about a week.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully, making them a perfect batch-cooking project. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or parchment, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy thawed bars with a just-baked warmth, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or bake briefly in a preheated oven at 300° F (150° C) for 5 minutes. This revives their soft chewiness and enhances the aroma to remind you of fresh-out-of-the-oven goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute the agave syrup with another sweetener?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or brown rice syrup are excellent vegan alternatives that will maintain the sticky, sweet quality needed to bind the bars. Just be mindful of flavor nuances, as each sweetener adds its own character.
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure any other ingredients are free from gluten contamination, then yes, these bars can be gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient sources if gluten is a concern.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries introduce too much moisture, which would make the bars soggy and difficult to hold together. Freeze-dried strawberries are best because they provide intense flavor and a dry texture that won’t compromise the bars’ structure.
How can I make these bars nut-free?
This recipe is naturally nut-free unless you decide to add nuts as a garnish or mix-in. Just be sure to avoid any cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
What’s the best way to make these bars more protein-rich?
Increasing the amount of vanilla-flavored pea protein slightly or adding a tablespoon of hemp seeds can boost protein without altering the flavor or texture too much, making them even more satisfying and nutritious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe enough! It’s a delightful fusion of nourishing ingredients that come together to create a deliciously chewy, fruity, and energizing bar that you’ll want to keep making again and again. Whether you’re packing them for work, school, or just a quick snack, these bars are sure to brighten your day and satisfy your cravings with natural, plant-based goodness.
Print
Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made with toasted rolled oats, freeze-dried strawberries, flax seeds, and vanilla-flavored pea protein. Sweetened naturally with agave syrup and brown sugar, and bound together with coconut oil, these bars offer a perfect balance of crunch and chewiness without any animal products. Ideal for a quick on-the-go energy boost or a wholesome treat, they are simple to prepare and require minimal baking and chilling time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (230g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (22g) freeze-dried strawberries
- 3 tbsp (30g) whole flax seeds
- 6 tbsp (38g) vanilla-flavored pea protein powder
- ¼ tsp (2g) salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¼ cup (55g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (55g) coconut oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) agave syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for toasting the oats. Also, line an 8” x 8” (20cm x 20cm) square pan with two crossing sheets of parchment paper to prepare for pressing the granola bars.
- Toast the Oats: Spread the rolled oats evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes, then stir to redistribute the oats. Continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.
- Prepare Syrup Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut oil, brown sugar, agave syrup, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Boil Syrup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Then remove the pan from heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, freeze-dried strawberries, and whole flax seeds.
- Add Protein to Syrup: Once the syrup stops bubbling, stir in the vanilla-flavored pea protein powder thoroughly until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the syrup mixture over the oat mixture. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated and sticky.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the sticky mix into the lined square baking pan. Using a spatula (be careful as the syrup is still hot), press down firmly to compact the mixture into an even layer.
- Chill to Set: Loosely cover the pan to allow some steam to escape and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the bars firm up properly.
- Cut and Store: After chilling, cut the set granola into 10 bars. Store individually wrapped in parchment paper or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Toast the oats carefully to achieve a nutty flavor without burning.
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly to ensure the bars hold together well.
- The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Freeze-dried strawberries retain flavor and texture better than fresh for this recipe.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or agave syrup according to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
