This vegan granola bar recipe is a mix between a granola bar, and a Rice Krispy treat. They are full of flavor and the perfect snack for children or adults.
I am ALWAYS on the hunt for school lunch or after-school snacks for my kids.
I have made so many granola bars that were a no go in this house.
My kids can be picky sometimes when it comes to after-school snacks.
I can't blame them fully; I have made some doozies when it comes to healthy granola bars.
These vegan rice Krispie granola bars hit their mark as a perfect snack.
If I let them, they can devour a whole 8×8 pan of these in one sitting.
I tried to add some good things to these, like oatmeal.
Anytime I can get my kids to consume more oatmeal, I am game!
But…. For good measure, I also had to add some fun with a small helping of the vegan marshmallows and some vegan chocolate chips.
But the rest is made with wholesome ingredients.
These aren't the most attractive-looking bars.
The first time I made them, the kids snubbed their noses at them.
After their friends raved about how good they were, they finally came around to try them and were hooked.
Sometimes you need a little positive peer pressure in your life, apparently.
Anyway, enough rambling; let's get to the good stuff!
Vegan Granola Bar Recipe Q&A
Can I use quick oats?
I prefer this recipe with old-fashioned oats because they hold together better, but you can use it if that's all you have.
I wouldn't use steel cut oats; those won't work for this homemade granola bar recipe.
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, the only nuts in them are the nut butter, and you can sub sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
Can I make these homemade granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, you will need to buy gluten-free rice Krispy (rice cereal) cereal and gluten-free oats.
Want to add some additional mix-ins?
I prefer these chewy granola bars the way they are, but you may want to add your own flare. Here are some common mix-ins;
- sunflower seeds
- pumpkin seeds
- hemp seeds
- chia seeds
- small pieces of dried fruit
- coconut flakes
- vegan white chocolate chips
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you sure can; put the bars in a 9x13 pan instead.
Are marshmallows vegan?
Typically marshmallows contain gelatin making them not vegan. However, Dandies has vegan marshmallows and if you live near Trader Joe's they have a vegan version as well.
What ingredients do you need to make these homemade vegan granola bars?
Check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
- rice Krispies
- rolled oats
- maple syrup
- peanut butter or almond butter
- vegan marshmallows
- vanilla extract
- vegan milk
- vegan chocolate chips
How do you make this vegan granola bar recipe?
Take a microwave-safe large bowl and mix the peanut butter, marshmallows, and maple syrup and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir, cook another 30 seconds and stir; if the marshmallows are not melted, then cook an additional 30 seconds and stir until melted.
Let cool for a few minutes.
Now add ¼ cup vegan milk and vanilla extract, and stir.
Then add the oats and Krispies, and mix until incorporated with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Add ½ cup or more if you want vegan chocolate chips and stir; these will melt a bit which is fine. But this gives the top of the bars a bit of a messy appearance.
Take an 8×8 square pan and put a piece of parchment paper (wax paper) on it; this makes removing these delicious vegan granola bars easy.
Then press the granola mixture into the pan in an even layer.
Now stick in the fridge for an hour or longer to harden.
How do you serve this great snack?
Cut into squares and serve.
You can serve cold or at room temperature. These also hold up well in a lunch box.
How do you store these perfect granola bars?
These are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Or you can cover the baking dish with plastic wrap tightly.
Can you freeze chewy granola bars?
Yes, these can be frozen.
Freeze them on a cookie sheet for about an hour, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
You can also wrap them individually if you'd prefer.
Want some other vegan snack recipes?
Rice Krispie Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice krispie cereal
- 1 cup oats
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup vegan mini marshmallows
- ¾ cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup vegan milk
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
Instructions
- Take a microwave-safe bowl and mix the peanut butter, marshmallows, maple syrup and cook for 30 seconds, then stir, cook another 30 seconds and stir, if the marshmallows are not melted then cook an additional 30 seconds and stir until melted. Let cool for a few minutes.
- Now add ¼ cup vegan milk and vanilla extract and stir. Then add the oats and Krispies, mix until incorporated. Add ½ cup or more if you want vegan chocolate chips and stir, these will melt a bit which is fine.
- Take an 8x8 and put parchment paper on it. Then press the granola mixture evenly into the pan. Now stick in the fridge for an hour or longer to harden. Cut into squares and serve. These are best stored in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
If you loved this recipe, then give it a 5 star rating and leave a comment! I love to chat with you all. Please feel free to share on social media and tag #courtneyshomestead. I would love to see you over on Instagram or Facebook.
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