dessert

Bars

These bars are my little slice of heaven when I crave something sweet yet nourishing. I often make a batch on Sunday evenings so I have a wholesome snack ready for the week ahead.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 12
Difficulty: easy
Bars - Vegan recipe hero image

I remember the first time I made these bars; it was one of those cozy Sundays where I just wanted to play with my pantry staples.

I discovered that adding a pinch of sea salt really brings out the natural sweetness of the dates.

I love this recipe because it feels indulgent but is packed with goodness that my body thanks me for.

It's like having dessert that loves you back!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

I always opt for organic ingredients when I can—it just feels right. If you don't have almond butter, I've used peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, and they've both worked beautifully.

Tips & Notes

  • I toast the oats in a pan for about 5 minutes until they smell nutty and delicious—it's totally worth the extra step!
  • When I'm storing these, I pop them in a glass jar on the counter, and they stay fresh all week long.
  • If you find the mixture a bit crumbly, a splash of almond milk helps to bring it all together.

Recipe Variations

  • Sometimes I'll add a handful of chopped dark chocolate when I'm feeling indulgent.
  • My friend Sarah swears by adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm twist.

Storage & Freezing

Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for longer shelf life. You can also freeze individual bars wrapped in parchment paper for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup or date syrup, although it may slightly alter the flavor.

How do I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

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These bars are my little slice of heaven when I crave something sweet yet nourishing. I often make a batch on Sunday evenings so I have a wholesome snack ready for the week ahead.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min
Servings: 12
Difficulty: easy

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, mix the chia seeds with 6 tablespoons of water and let sit for about 5 minutes to create a chia egg.

  3. 3

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

  4. 4

    In a separate bowl, mash the banana, then add the almond butter, maple syrup, and chia egg. Mix until smooth.

  5. 5

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.

  6. 6

    Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using.

  7. 7

    Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

  8. 8

    Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are firm and the center is set.

  9. 9

    Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

  10. 10

    Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and enjoy!

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