These healthy vegan energy bars are like homemade larabar and the perfect snack, made with hazelnuts and tart cherries.
Have you ever tried homemade energy bars? With Larabars and Clif Bars all the rage, we couldn’t resist trying a homemade version. These healthy vegan energy bars are similar to homemade Larabar but with a little more texture. Like a raw brownie (our favorite healthy dessert), they’re gluten-free and all-natural, and made primarily with Medjool dates and nuts. This version uses hazelnuts for a more complex flavor and dried cherries for a tart note that complements the sweetness. They’re based on an idea from one of our favorite cookbooks, Whole Grain Mornings by Megan Gordon.
How to make vegan energy bars
Making these healthy vegan energy bars is super easy: all you need is a food processor! You will need a large food processor for the size of this batch. Simply mix all the ingredients together, then add another handful of cherries and mix to give some texture. Mixing all the ingredients creates a sticky dough. Roll out the dough on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze for 45 minutes to set, then cut into squares and you’re good to go!
A few notes about the ingredients: sometimes hazelnuts can be difficult to find. If you can’t find them, almonds work too! It’s easier and cheaper to buy them in bulk. A note on the type of dates: these require Medjool dates. Medjool dates are very large, sticky dates that have a caramel flavor and a soft texture. They are essential to get the right consistency in these vegan energy bars. Medjool dates are becoming increasingly common in grocery stores across the United States. Sometimes they are filled with dried fruits; other times they are loose in the fruit and veg section.
Looking for healthy snack recipes?
Aside from those healthy vegan energy bars, here are some other healthy snacks we love:
This recipe is…
This healthy vegan energy bar recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free.
The description
These healthy vegan energy bars are like homemade larabar and the perfect snack, made with hazelnuts and tart cherries.
- 2 cups hazelnut
- 20 Medjool Dates (2 cups)
- 1 cup + ¼ cup tart dried cherries (no added sugar), divided
- pinch of kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Cinammon
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup Old-fashioned oats
- In the bowl of a food processor, place all ingredients except ¼ cup dried cherries. Turn on the food processor and pulse until the mixture is sticky but not crumbly, about 2 minutes. (Working time is important for texture, so be sure to process long enough so the mixture doesn’t become crumbly, but not so long that it becomes too sticky.)
- Add the remaining ¼ cup dried cherries and toss a few times to combine, incorporating the larger chunks of cherries into the mixture.
- Spread the mixture onto a rimmed baking sheet and press into a flat layer of desired thickness. Then roll a rolling pin over them to flatten them out to an even thickness. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 45 minutes to set. Then cut into bars of desired size (we used 4″ x 2″). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Remarks
Adapted from Whole Grain Mornings by Megan Gordon Note: You can substitute almonds for hazelnuts if they are not readily available, but we recommend using hazelnuts for their unique flavor.
- Category: The taste
- Method: Mix
- Kitchen: American
Keywords: Vegan energy bars, healthy energy bars, snack recipes, healthy snack recipes, vegan recipe ideas
