No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Dense, chewy granola bars bound with flax eggs and almond butter, studded with vegan chocolate chips and walnuts. No oven required, frozen to set. Perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or quick vegan snacks. This version skips baking entirely, relying on coconut oil and nut butter to hold everything together while maintaining that satisfying chewy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup gluten-free oat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 flax eggs, whisked together from 2 tablespoons ground flax plus 6 tablespoons warm water, set 15 minutes
- ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup almond butter, natural, unsalted
- ⅓ cup maple syrup, pureagave nectar1:1veganFull guide →
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pure
- ¾ cup vegan mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment or wax paper.
- 2
Whisk together oats, oat flour, shredded coconut, and salt in a large bowl.
- 3
Whisk flax eggs, melted coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth.
- 4
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until well combined.
- 5
Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- 6
Pour mixture into prepared pan and press down firmly into an even layer with the back of a spoon.
- 7
Freeze for 15-20 minutes.
- 8
Remove from pan, place on a cutting surface, and slice into 12-18 bars.
Tips
Make flax eggs 15 minutes ahead so they set properly; they act as the binder in this eggless recipe.
Press the mixture very firmly into the pan during assembly to create dense bars that hold together when sliced.
Good to Know
Airtight container in refrigerator up to 5 days, or frozen up to 1 month.
Prepare through step 5 and freeze up to 1 week before slicing and serving.
Cold or at room temperature. Serve as a portable snack or lunchbox addition.
Common Mistakes
Skip flax egg prep time to avoid bars that crumble when sliced.
Under-press mixture to avoid bars that fall apart.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use regular rolled oats instead of gluten-free?
Yes, if gluten is not a concern. Regular rolled oats work identically; the recipe will no longer be gluten-free certified.
How long do these keep in the freezer?
Up to one month in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating, or eat directly from frozen.
What if my bars won't hold together when slicing?
The mixture was likely under-pressed or insufficiently chilled. Ensure you press firmly during assembly and freeze the full 20 minutes.