These delicious and healthy granola bars are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a perfect snack or breakfast on the go. They are also vegan and easy to customize with your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits!
Looking for a delicious, healthy, and vegan snack option that's quick and easy to make? Look no further than these Easiest Homemade Vegan Granola Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these bars are perfect for breakfast on the go, a post-workout pick-me-up, or a satisfying afternoon snack.
This recipe takes advantage of the secret ingredient: condensed coconut milk. But what exactly is it, and what makes it so special?
The Power of Condensed Coconut Milk:
Condensed coconut milk is simply unsweetened coconut milk that has been evaporated, resulting in a thicker, richer, and sweeter product. This unique ingredient offers several benefits when it comes to cooking:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: Condensed coconut milk adds a delightful creaminess and richness to various dishes, making them incredibly satisfying.
- Natural Sweetness: Unlike traditional condensed milk, its natural sweetness comes from coconut, making it a perfect vegan alternative without compromising flavor.
- Plant-Based Powerhouse: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, condensed coconut milk contributes to a nutritious and vegan-friendly recipe.
- Versatility: This versatile ingredient shines in various applications, from savory to sweet desserts and, of course, granola bars!
Jump to:
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) condensed coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats (not instant oats)
- ¾ cup mixed nuts (¼ cup each: pistachios, almonds, peanuts)
- ¾ cup mixed seeds (¼ cup each: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts)
- ¾ cup mixed dried fruit (¼ cup each: currants, dried cherries, goji berries)
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius). Line an 8x8 or 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting excess hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan or skillet, combine the condensed coconut milk, salt, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and shredded coconut. Mix well.
- Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the dry ingredients and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the granola bar mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly into an even layer using a spoon or spatula.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the baking dish for 15 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, cut the bars into desired squares or rectangles.
Substitutions
- Nut and Seed Swaps: Don't have pistachios, almonds, or peanuts? Substitute with your favorite options like cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
- Dried Fruit Alternatives: Explore different dried fruits like cranberries, chopped dates, or dried apricots for a unique flavor profile.
- Sweetener Options: If you prefer a different level of sweetness, you can adjust the amount of dried fruit or add a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar to the warm coconut milk mixture.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips to the dry ingredients for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Apple Surprise: Mix in ½ cup chopped dried apples and a sprinkle of ground ginger for a warm and cozy flavor.
- Tropical Twist: Incorporate ¼ cup chopped dried mango and a pinch of ground cardamom for a taste of the tropics.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (large and small)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan or skillet
- Spatula
- 8x8 or 9x13 inch baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Cutting board
- Knife
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, individually wrap the bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Top tip
For a chewier texture, bake the bars for 40-45 minutes. For a crispier granola bar, extend the baking time to the full 50 minutes.
FAQ
No. Unfortunately, using regular coconut milk won't achieve the same result as condensed coconut milk. Regular coconut milk is much thinner and won't bind the granola bar ingredients together effectively.
Yes, it's recommended to use rolled oats for this recipe. They provide the perfect texture and hold the bars together well. However, you can try quick oats in a pinch, although the bars might be slightly softer. Results will vary.
This recipe can be gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and ensure any additional ingredients, like nuts and seeds, are also gluten-free.
Easiest Homemade Gluten-Free and Vegan Granola Bars
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowls large and small
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Saucepan or skillet
- 1 spatula
- 1 baking dish 8x8 or 9x13
- 1 Parchment paper sheet
- 1 Knife for slicing bars
Ingredients
- 1 can 13.5 oz condensed coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups gluten-free rolled oats not instant oats
- ¾ cup mixed nuts ¼ cup each: pistachios, almonds, peanuts
- ¾ cup mixed seeds ¼ cup each: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts
- ¾ cup mixed dried fruit ¼ cup each: currants, dried cherries, goji berries
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 degrees Celsius). Line an 8x8 or 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting excess hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan or skillet, combine the condensed coconut milk, salt, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and shredded coconut. Mix well.
- Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the dry ingredients and fold gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the granola bar mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down firmly into an even layer using a spoon or spatula.
- Bake for 50 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the baking dish for 15 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, cut the bars into desired squares or rectangles.
Other Good Stuff
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Food safety
Before you begin:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before handling any ingredients or equipment.
- Clean and sanitize your work surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils.
- Ensure all your ingredients are fresh and within their expiry dates.
While preparing the recipe:
- Oats: It's generally safe to consume dry oats without any prior washing or treatment. However, if you're concerned about potential contamination, you can quick toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden brown.
- Nuts and Seeds: While most commercially available nuts and seeds are safe to consume raw, to minimize the risk of any bacterial contamination, you can dry toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Dried Fruits: Inspect the dried fruits for any signs of mold or spoilage and discard any questionable pieces.
- Condensed Coconut Milk: Commercially canned condensed coconut milk is shelf-stable until opened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 3-4 days.
Storing the Granola Bars:
- Allow the granola bars to cool completely before storing them.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Additional tips:
- If you suspect any of your ingredients are spoiled or contaminated, discard them immediately.
- Clean and sanitize your work surfaces, utensils, and containers again after finishing food preparation.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds after handling food or used equipment.
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