Homemade Vegan Protein Bars (no bake)

Hi friends!

You need to make these homemade vegan protein bars. They are packed with healthy fats, omega 3’s, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Store bought protein granola bars often have preservatives, way too much sugar, weird ingredients, and added oils. Making your own homemade vegan protein bars is much healthier, way more delicious and honestly, it’s more frugal. Good news: they take 10 minutes to make and are no-bake!

How do you make homemade vegan protein bars?

The first step is adding all of the ingredients (except for the coconut and coconut) into the food processor. Blend until combined well but still has texture.

Melt the chocolate then pour on top of the granola mixture. Spread evenly. You can always add more chocolate but I wanted a thin layer since this is supposed to be a healthy snack rather than a dessert. Top with coconut shreds and extra chocolate chips.

Stick the bars in the fridge, let them sit for an hour, then feel free to cut them and devour these homemade vegan protein bars!

They are beyond delicious. 

These homemade vegan protein bars are:

Chewy 

Fruity

Perfectly sweet

Nutritious

Nutty

Filling

Healthy

Vegan

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

What makes these homemade vegan protein bars healthier than store-bought?!

I always read the labels of store-bought granola/protein bars hoping for clean ingredients but I am left disappointed. There are a couple brands out there with clean labels but honestly, most of the time, I find store-bought granola bars have WAY too much sugar, oil, tons of added artificial ingredients and weird additives. I’d much rather make my own. These are refined sugar free, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and soy-free. What more could you ask for?

The healthy fats in these protein bars in addition to the protein from the nuts and seeds will help to keep you full longer in between meals.

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

Common Questions:

  1. Can these be kept in the freezer? OMG YES! Of course.
  2. How many bars does this recipe make? Makes 10-12 large bars depending on how you cut them. If you want them into mini squares for more of a dessert treat, it makes about 20 little squares.
  3.  Can I swap out the nuts for seeds if I have a nut allergy? Yes! Use sunflower seeds, extra pumpkin seeds, whatever you want.
  4. Can I omit the chocolate layer if I don’t want chocolate? Yes, still chill them in the fridge though to firm up.
  5. Would it work if I replaced the dried cherries with raisins? Totally. I’ve tried them with dried apricots too and they’re amazing

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

When should I eat these?

Need a healthy mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack? These are absolutely perfect for that! Whether you pack these in your kid’s lunches, bring them to work with you, take them in your purse when you’re on the go, or even to a pot luck – they come in so handy! I even like having them for a treat after dinner. They are filling so I often have a bite sized piece.

I always say, eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. If you are in the need of a snack, I encourage you to eat! But…go for something nutritious. These bars are truly the perfect snack.

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

A few important tips:

  • Make sure to store these in the fridge or freezer
  • If you pack them in your kid’s lunch, pack an ice pack as well.
  • Use a food processor for this not a blender
  • Feel free to omit the chocolate if you don’t want it

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

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Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Picture

Homemade Vegan Protein Bars

Easy, no-bake, omega and fiber packed homemade vegan protein bars are the perfect plant-based snack or after-dinner treat. Oil-free, gluten-free and no added sugar.
serving 10 bars
prep time 10 minutes
Let cool in fridge 1 hour
total time 1 hour 10 minutes

the ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted medjool dates
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 1/2 cup hazelnuts or any other nut
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries or any other dried fruit
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips for melting on top
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut for topping
  • pinch of salt

instructions

  • Blend all ingredients except for coconut and chocolate in the food processor. Blend until completely combined.
  • Press mixture firmly and evenly into a 9x9 baking pan.
  • Melt chocolate chips in a bowl in 30 second increments, mixing each time until melted.
  • Spread the melted chocolate over the top of the granola bar mixture.
  • Top with coconut and extra chocolate chips if you want.
  • Let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up.
  • Cut when you're ready to eat them and serve!

If you liked this recipe, then you’ll love my 1-Bowl Pumpkin Vegan Brownies!

1-Bowl Vegan Pumpkin Brownies

Danielle Brown

Hi! I’m Danielle Brown, the face behind HealthyGirl Kitchen! I share easy, approachable plant-based recipes that are not only healthy but taste amazing. Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for free vegan meal ideas, recipes and healthygirl tips.

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  1. Priya says:

    Hi Danielle,

    I don’t see granola listed in the ingredients. Is it plain store-brought granola ?

    1. Danielle Keith says:

      The whole recipe is homemade – no store bought granola.

  2. Liz says:

    These are yummy! Easy to make and a great snack. Thanks!5 stars

  3. Melissa says:

    I am going to try this recipe this weekend. It looks delicious! Do you happen to know the calorie/nutritional content?

    1. Danielle Keith says:

      I do not! You’re welcome to add it up in My Fitness Pal though and divide by the amount of squares you cut.

  4. Jolie Goldberg says:

    So yum5 stars

  5. Arica says:

    Wow, these look amazing and delicious! I can’t wait to make them!5 stars

  6. Ashley Metz says:

    This was so yummy! Everyone loves them! Do you happen to know the calorie intake on these?

    1. Danielle Keith says:

      I don’t but feel free to add it up in my fitness pal.

  7. Allison says:

    I absolutely love these!! They are perfect for a quick snack. I have already made them twice!5 stars

    1. Danielle Keith says:

      YAY! They are my fave!

  8. Dawn Burton says:

    What dark chocolate chips do you use?

    1. Danielle Keith says:

      Enjoy life brand or Trader Joe’s

  9. hfjabre says:

    What are the nutritional values on these bars?

    1. Danielle Keith says:

      You can add the ingredients into my fitness pal and divide based on how many pieces you can them into! I find a big bar to be too filling so I usually make smaller squares.

  10. I love your recipes, i will try without chocolates, sugars, etc. says:

    I love your recipes, i will try without chocolates and sugars.5 stars

  11. Laurie says:

    I can’t find the nutrition information?thanks

    1. Rachel says:

      Very easy to make but make sure you have a heavy duty processor. Mine is a little underwhelming so I had to mix it in batches. You can also calculate calories/nutrition on
      http://www.very well fit.com/recipes-nutrition-analyzer-41570765 stars

  12. Raynie says:

    I made these twice and they are delicious! I cut them as pictured and thought they could even be a little smaller. Eating one for breakfast kept me full until lunch. Second time I used a bit less chocolate and I have not tried that batch yet. Give these a try, I think you will enjoy them! Great recipe!5 stars

  13. Cheryl says:

    Made these last week and they are delicious and so easy! Quick question: I found my bars were not firm when I cut them..tended to be crumbly. I made according to directions. Do you think I should try adding a little more peanut butter?

    1. Danielle Brown says:

      Sure! You can add more PB or dates.

  14. Elaine says:

    Hi, Danielle. I have your cookbook, and I am just loving it! I make your energy balls all the time. I’m going to try these protein bars since it will be quicker to make. Have you tried the protein bars with almond butter vs. peanut butter?

    1. Taylor From HealthyGirl Kitchen says:

      You can use either!

  15. Diane Taylor says:

    I don’t own a food processor. Will it be as successful if I mix it by hand with a wooden spoon? I’m really looking forward to making them.5 stars

    1. Taylor From HealthyGirl Kitchen says:

      You may have to chop some of the ingredients like the dates, first, but otherwise it should be okay, just may be chunkier and not as well blended.