There may be some decent packaged vegan energy bars on the market, but there is nothing like homemade.
These vegan energy bars are so easy to throw together, and the flavor combinations can be as creative as your imagination.
Often I will add dried tart cherries, slivered almonds or even some carob chips for sweetness. Anything goes!
You could also top them with some hemp seeds for added omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Think of this recipe as the blank slate for your favorite add-ons.
Most commercial vegan energy bars are thought to be a healthy, quick, energizing food, but in reality, they contain many unhealthy ingredients.
Let's begin with sugar. One vegan energy bar can contain as much sugar as a candy bar. The next problem is fractionated oils.
Fractionated oils can contain nearly 90 percent saturated fat. Always check the amount of saturated fat on a commercial energy bar.
Next are protein isolates.
Isolated protein is found in nearly every commercial energy bar. Protein isolates are anything that has been separated from the original food.
For example, whey protein isolate is created by separating components from milk. Isolated proteins go through a chemical process for the manufacturers to isolate just the protein whether it is whey, soy or seeds.
Last is preservatives. Most commercial energy bars have preservatives so they can stay on the grocery shelf for long periods of time.
Preservatives are used to stop the browning and discoloration of foods. They have also been linked to allergies and even neurological issues.
Now, let's break down the ingredients in our homemade energy bars.
Each tablespoon of ground flaxseed contains about 1.8 grams of plant omega-3 fatty acid, a type of fat essential for brain function and memory. Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic diseases.
They also contains mega amounts of lignans. Lignans are antioxidants that support the immune system and are excellent for balancing hormone levels in the body.
Ground flaxseeds are also high in fiber.
Now on to the key ingredient – oats. Did you know oats contain more protein than most grains?
Oats are loaded with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds. They also contain a powerful soluble fiber called beta-glucan which helps reduce cholesterol levels, reduce blood sugar and insulin response and increases a feeling of fullness.
Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing chronic disease.
Even the cinnamon in this recipe has health benefits. Did you know cinnamon is a high source of antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties? Cinnamon has also been proven to help defend agains cognitive decline and protects brain function.
So why buy a $2.00 or more vegan energy bars when you can economically and safely create your own nutrient-dense snack?
Thanks for joining me today. Hope you enjoy these vegan energy bars.
If you love a tasty healthy snack as much as I do, you will probably enjoy these Apple Spice Muffins and Banana Bread with Walnuts.
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Vegan Energy Bars with Oats, Apples & Flaxseed
- 2 ground flax eggs*
- 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup of non-dairy unsweetened milk
- 1 large apple, peeled, seeded and coarsely grated
- 2 cups of oats
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 9 whole walnuts
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F
- Grease an 8 inch square baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Make the flax eggs by whisking together 2 tablespoons of ground flax with 5½ tablespoons water. Place in refrigerator for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Meanwhile in a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl whisk together all the wet ingredients including the flax eggs.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, spreading it out with a rubber spatula in an even layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the oatmeal is firm to the touch and lightly colored on top.
- Cut into 9 squares and serve warm or room temperature. Top each with a walnut.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container, or wrapped well and frozen up to 3 months.
Do you grind the oats or use them whole? I tried this this morning, and used rolled oats and didn’t grind them. It worked ok, but is softer and more fally-aparty than your photo so I was just wondering. Plus I forgot the salt, oops! As a result the family found it lacking in taste, I will remember the salt next time!
Hi Honey – I use them whole and if the family is looking for more flavor, I would definitely do some add ons like dried sweet cherries, sliced almonds or coconut flakes. The flax eggs help hold them together and letting them cool. Hope that helps. Thanks for being part of our healthy community!
Just so you know, there is one little small typo in the recipe and if there is anyone who is unfamiliar they might not realize what a “carb” chip is supposed to be, but I’m assuming you really meant carob. 🙂
Hi Beth – Thank you so much for pointing that out. I will fix that and thanks for being part of our healthy community. Happy Holidays!
What is flax eggs and where can I get some,thanks.
Hi Sharon – Flax eggs are made from ground flax seed – Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax to 2 1/2 tablespoons of water. Mix well and let it set in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to thicken. That is the equivelant of one egg. Make sure you get the ground flax seeds and not flax seeds whole. Thanks for stopping by and thanks for being part of our healthy community!
These look fantastic. Do they travel well?
Hi and yes they do travel well. Don’t forget. to add your favorite ingredients like nuts or vegan chocolate – anything goes. Happy New Year and thanks for stopping by!
I made these and froze them, I am having 1 right now for breakfast with a banana,
thanks for the recipe I love them, will try some add ons next time for variety.
Hi Helia! Thanks for taking the time and letting me know – so happy you loved them!
A perfect fall Saturday morning recipe, it was hard to stop eating the mixture before I cooked it! It’s in the oven now and I am so excited to wake my husband up with the smells of apples & cinnamon baking. Thank you, again, for another healthy, easy & quick recipe.
Hi Heather – Thanks so much for the feedback – I appreciate it! Hope your healthy snack turns out yummy. Don’t forget you can freeze these individually and just grab one for a quick grab n go healthy snack.
How do you make flax eggs ?
Hi Cheryl – To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Mix together, and let sit in your fridge for 15 minutes to set up and thicken. Thanks for stopping by!