Healthy Granola Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
These vegan and gluten-free Healthy Granola Bars are the perfect healthy snack made with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips. Easy to make and no baking required!
Granola bars are one of those snacks I always want on hand. They’re the ultimate grab-and-go bite: quick, satisfying, and pure deliciousness.
Remember the Quaker chewy chocolate chip granola bars? Yup, those were my childhood. If you loved those too, then you already know the magic of a good granola bar. Well, this is my homemade (and way healthier) version.
Once I started making homemade granola bars, I couldn’t believe how easy it was! This granola bar recipe tastes just like the chewy, sweet, nutty bars you loved as a kid—only better.
They’re vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and made with pantry staples you probably already have. Plus, no weird preservatives or unrecognizable ingredients—just the good stuff.
I love meal prepping a batch on Sunday (along with my Peanut Butter Date Energy Balls) so I’m set for busy afternoons, post-workout refuels, or a sweet little something after dinner.
Bonus: they’re lunchbox-friendly, freezer-friendly, and basically life-friendly.
Why You’ll Love These Healthy Granola Bars
- Totally snackable: sweet, chewy + nutty
- A better-for-you twist on the granola bars you loved growing up
- Healthy grab-and-go snack for busy days
- Easy to make—no baking required
- Made with pantry staples (no weird ingredients)
- Customizable to your preference
- Vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened
Ingredients You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements!
- Peanut Butter: Make sure to use a natural, drippy peanut butter for the best texture and easy mixing (I use natural peanut butter with just peanuts + salt).
- Quick Oats: Gives the bars their chewy texture (rolled oats won’t hold together as well). If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use certified gluten-free quick oats.
- Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars and helps bind everything together. Honey or agave would work here (but honey will make them not vegan).
- Ground Flaxseed: Adds fiber and helps bind the mixture.
- Hemp Seeds: For a boost of healthy fats and plant-based protein.
- Vegan Mini Chocolate Chips: For a sweet surprise in every bite! I use these mini vegan chocolate chips from Enjoy Life.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors.
How to Make Healthy Granola Bars
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the quick oats, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Press into the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down firmly so the bars hold together. Wet your hands a little if they are sticking.
- Chill: Place in the fridge for 1–2 hours, or until set.
- Slice & Enjoy: Lift the mixture out of the pan, cut into bars or squares, and store in the fridge or freezer. Enjoy!
Megan’s Tips
- Use a runny nut butter. Make sure to use a runny nut butter, not the dry, stiff, spreadable stuff. If your nut butter is too dry or thick, it won’t bind the mixture into cohesive bars. I use natural peanut butter with just peanuts + salt.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan. The more firmly you press the mixture into the pan, the better the bars will hold together. If your hands are sticking to the mixture, wet them with water.
- Let them chill! Don’t skip on the chilling time—patience is key here—otherwise they won’t form into chewy, cohesive bars.
Recipe Substitutions + Variations
- Nut Butter: Swap the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Add Fruit: Add dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins for a chewy, fruity bite.
- Add Crunch: Stir in chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or coconut flakes.
- Chocolate Lover: Swap mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks (or drizzle melted chocolate on top).
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder—if the mixture feels dry, add a bit of non-dairy milk.
Storing Homemade Granola Bars
I recommend storing your homemade granola bars in an airtight container in the fridge for the best chewy texture. They will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
What if my granola bars are crumbly?
This could happen depending on the consistency of your peanut butter. Add a bit more maple syrup or peanut butter, mix again, and press really well into the pan.
Are these granola bars freezer-friendly?
Yes! Store in an airtight container (separate the bars with parchment paper) and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for 20–30 minutes before eating.
More Healthy Snack Recipes
If you love these no-bake granola bars, you might also enjoy:
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! xo, Megan
Healthy Granola Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter, runny consistency
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- ¼ cup vegan mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line an 6-inch or 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the quick oats, ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, and mini chocolate chips. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down evenly and firmly so the bars hold together. Wet your hands a little if they are sticking.
- Place in the fridge for 1–2 hours to set.
- Lift the mixture out of the pan and use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a creamy, all natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
- Firmly press the mixture into the pan so your bars stay together.
- Chill before slicing—clean cuts are worth the wait!
- Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week or stash in the freezer for 3 months.
- Swap chocolate chips for dried fruit, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes.
turned out great. made them into energy balls for work snax.
So happy to hear you loved them, Angela! Great idea to make them into energy balls – I’ll have to try that. Thanks for sharing!
These are delicious! I’ll be sending them in my son’s school lunch and snacking on them myself. I love hat they stay soft and chewy. I used 1/2 c PB and 1/2 c almond butter. This is a winner!
That’s so great to hear! I’m so glad they were a hit. Thank you for sharing, Kristie 🙂
Love how easy these were to make. Adding them to my meal (snack) prep rotation.