Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars

These Vegan Strawberry Granola Bars are gluten-free, high in fiber, and loaded with plant-based protein which makes them the ideal snack to enjoy at breakfast, before or after exercise, or as a lunchbox filler!

Making homemade strawberry granola bars gives you complete control over the ingredients used which means that you’ll get to enjoy a healthier granola bar every time!

And with the added protein powder, these vegan strawberry bars are the ideal way to up your protein uptake the healthy way.

What You’ll Need

• Rolled oats
• Freeze-dried strawberries
• Whole flax seeds
• Brown sugar
• Coconut oil
• Agave syrup (or maple syrup)
• Vanilla-flavoured pea protein powder
• Salt

How to Make Vegan Strawberry Protein Bars

Preheat the oven to 350° F (175C). Line a baking sheet with parchment (for your oats). Also line an 8” x 8” (20cm x 20cm) square pan with 2 crossing sheets of parchment (for the bars).

Spread the oats in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes. Stir to redistribute and bake for a further 5-7 minutes until lightly toasted.

In a saucepan, combine coconut oil, brown sugar, agave, and salt over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes undisturbed. Remove from heat.

Once the sugar mixture has stopped bubbling, stir in the protein powder until smooth.

Combine the toasted oats, freeze-dried strawberries, and flax seeds in a large bowl.

Pour syrup over the oat mix. Stir until everything is sticky and coated.

Press into a lined square baking pan. Use a spatula (sugar mix will still be hot) to press down and compact all the mix together into an even layer.

Loosely cover (so that some steam can escape) and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

Cut into 10 pieces and store wrapped in parchment or in an airtight container.

Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Strawberry Granola Bars

Enjoy these strawberry protein bars as part of a nutritious breakfast or midday snack. Being high in protein, they also make great pre or post-workout snacks or can be taken along with you while getting some fresh air and exercise. 

Kids also love these granola bars as a delicious addition to their lunchboxes. They work well for adult work lunch boxes too!

Why Make These Healthy Strawberry Granola Bars?

Where do I start?! There are so many benefits to making your own vegan strawberry breakfast bars. 

Firstly, making homemade vegan strawberry bars from scratch allows you to dictate the ingredients used which almost always results in a healthier option when compared to store-bought granola bars, packed with hidden sugars, artificial flavorings and preservatives!

You’ll also find that making your own granola bars is so much more cost-effective than the expensive commercial granola bar brands. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy your favorite granola bar without spending a lot of money then this homemade version is certainly the way to go!

Another favorite reason for making your own granola bars is the versatility factor! You can easily modify this recipe to include other ingredients and customize the granola bars to suit your preferences or cravings. This, for most, is a huge benefit since commercial granola bars can be somewhat limiting or may include certain ingredients that you’d prefer not to have in the mix. 

Are These Vegan Strawberry Oat Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes, they are! Rolled oats are naturally gluten-free although it’s always best to read the packaging label as some of these gluten-free products get packaged and stored in facilities housing gluten products. 

If in doubt, opt for a brand of rolled oats that specifically states that it is gluten-free and not stored with other gluten products. 

You’ll be happy to know that the rest of the recipe ingredients are already gluten-free too!

How Should You Store Your Homemade Vegan Granola Bars?

This homemade vegan protein bars recipe is shelf stable for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or at room temperature when stored in an airtight container with pieces of parchment paper between each bar to prevent them from sticking to each other.

You could also freeze these homemade strawberry granola bars for up to 2 months. 

Granola bars that have been stored in the refrigerator can be enjoyed either chilled or brought back to room temperature while I recommend thawing the frozen bars first before serving. 

Tips for Making This Homemade Vegan Protein Bars Recipe

• Easily modify these strawberry granola bars by adding in your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruits. You can even make it a little decadent with some vegan chocolate chips!
• For a low-carb granola bar, stick to dried berries such as strawberries, cranberries or blueberries. 
• Use gluten-free rolled oats such as Bob’s Red Mill for a gluten-free granola bar. 
• While these strawberry protein bars are vegan, you could opt to use honey instead of the agave syrup but then it will no longer be vegan. Alternatively, use maple syrup. 

Other delicious vegan bars to try:

• Vegan Snickers Bars
• Raw Lemon Slice Recipe

Sharing is caring!