Inspired by: @clarec36
Craving a sweet treat that's also wholesome and requires zero oven time? Look no further! These Easy No-Bake Vegan Oat Bars are the perfect solution for anyone seeking a quick, healthy, and satisfying snack or dessert. They're not just incredibly simple to make, but they're also naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free by opting for certified gluten-free oats.
Whether you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast bar, an energy boost between meals, or a guilt-free evening indulgence, these chewy, chocolate-drizzled oat bars hit all the right notes. Members of the abillion community love them, with comments like "Wow 😋 thanks for sharing. I'll definitely try your recipe taken screenshots 👌" highlighting just how appealing and easy this recipe is.
This recipe is designed to be effortlessly delicious, proving that plant-based eating can be both convenient and incredibly tasty. Ready to whip up some magic without heating your kitchen? Let's get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (quick oats or grind rolled oats for a smoother texture)
- 1/2 cup rice crisp cereal
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts of choice (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 3 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- 1/4 cup brown rice syrup or golden syrup
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate (for melting and drizzling)
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Gently melt the vegan chocolate in a separate bowl or small saucepan and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, rice crisp cereal, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, ground flaxseed, and salt. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the vegan butter, brown rice syrup (or golden syrup), and maple syrup. Heat until the mixture begins to bubble, then reduce the heat to low and continue stirring for 4 minutes. This step helps the mixture thicken slightly and ensures the bars hold together.
- Remove the syrup mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are fully coated and sticky.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared 8x8 inch pan. Using the back of a spoon or your hands (lightly greased if sticking), press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the pan. Pressing very firmly is key to ensure the bars are compact and don't crumble.
- Drizzle the melted vegan chocolate generously over the top of the pressed oat bar mixture.
- Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the bars are firm.
- Once chilled, lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block from the pan. Cut into desired bar shapes and enjoy your delicious vegan oat bars!
Variations & Adaptations
- Go Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Nut-Free Option: For those with nut allergies, substitute the chopped nuts with an equal amount of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and healthy fat content.
- Flavor Boosts: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor. A sprinkle of dried cranberries, raisins, or mini vegan chocolate chips can also be mixed into the oat mixture before pressing.
- Protein Power-Up: Stir in a scoop of your favorite unflavored or vanilla vegan protein powder with the dry ingredients for an extra protein boost, making them even more perfect for post-workout snacks.
- Sweetener Swap: While brown rice syrup and maple syrup provide the best texture, you can experiment with agave syrup if preferred, adjusting to taste.
Smart Tips for Perfect Oat Bars
- Grind Your Oats: For a smoother, more uniform bar texture, pulse the quick oats briefly in a food processor before mixing with other ingredients. This also helps the bars bind together better.
- Press It Firmly: The key to no-bake bars that hold their shape is firmly pressing the mixture into the pan. Use another piece of parchment paper on top and a flat bottomed glass or measuring cup to apply even pressure.
- Chilling is Crucial: Don't rush the chilling process! Two hours in the fridge allows the bars to set completely, making them easier to cut and preventing them from falling apart.
- Storage Savvy: Store your no-bake oat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage (up to 1 month). They are delicious straight from the fridge!
Discover More Plant-Based Delights!
Looking for more easy, delicious, and healthy vegan recipes? Check out these fantastic options from abillion:
- Easy No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake
- Make this vegan muesli bar for that perfect crunch
- Easy Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Oatmeal
- 7 Easy Vegan Cookie Recipes
Ready to whip up these delightful No-Bake Vegan Oat Bars? We know you'll love how easy and satisfying they are! Share your delicious results with the abillion community and let us know your favorite variations!
