Vegan Snack Recipes: Low-Sugar Granola Bars

One of my favorite past-times is making a big batch of granola. I love the way it fills the kitchen with the fragrance of cozy spices and a hint of maple syrup. I even have a granola making playlist that involves a little Johnny Mercer and “Moon River” on repeat. I also adore making granola because it’s an easy way for me to prepare a high-fiber snack for myself. Lately, I’ve been eating my granola on-the-go with a little unsweetened yogurt that I pack around in a tiny mason jar. It’s pretty yummy, but not the most convenient snack. I decided to change things up a bit by making granola bars, which oddly enough I’ve never made before! These are pretty simple to throw together, and in my opinion, they taste like cookies! (Very healthy cookies, of course). I like to limit my sugar intake, so I haven’t included dried fruit or chocolate chips—but feel free to! Just sub your ingredient of choice for some of the dry ingredients, like coconut flakes or buckwheat groats. Pack these gluten-free, low-sugar granola bars in your bag for some delicious, guilt-free snacking!

Vegan Snack Recipes: Low-Sugar Granola Bars

Recipe Type: Breakfast Sweets

YIELDS About 12 bars

PREP TIME 15 min

COOK TIME 30 min

TOTAL TIME 45 min

1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup buckwheat groats
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup almond slivers
1 small red apple, cored
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp stevia baking blend (or sweetener of choice)
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp finely ground sea salt
1 tbsp raw almond butter

1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup buckwheat groats
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup almond slivers
1 small red apple, cored
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp stevia baking blend (or sweetener of choice)
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp finely ground sea salt
1 tbsp raw almond butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, buckwheat groats, coconut flakes, pecans, almonds, and any additional dried ingredients (like chocolate chips) that you’d like to include. Set aside.
3. In a high-speed blender, combine apple, coconut oil, almond milk, chia seeds, stevia, almond butter, and spices. Blend until thoroughly combined.
4.Mix the contents of the blender with your dry ingredients, combining well. Scoop the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using your hands, spread and press the dough until it’s flat and an even 1/4″ thick all the way around.
5. Take a butter knife and divide the dough into bars. Press any escaped ingredients back into the bars.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown. Allow the bars to cool before serving and storing. Enjoy!

More vegan snack recipes: GF Vegan High Protein Chickpea Blondies
Vanilla Lucuma Powder Pudding
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Photos: Mary Hood