These gluten-free vegan granola bars are like a white chocolate macadamia cookies in a bar shape. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack. And best of all -- super easy to make!
Note: if using oats, make sure they are certified gluten-free oats.
PrintWhite Chocolate Macadamia Gluten-Free Vegan Granola Bars
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups GF oats or quinoa flakes
- ¾ cup macadamia nuts, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped {optional}
- ½ cup cacao butter, finely chopped {or shredded to help it melt faster}
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon {optional}
- dash of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spread out oats and nuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and toast for about 5 minutes or so {until lightly golden}. Note: this step is optional, but adds a lot of flavor. Once toasted, pour contents into a mixing bowl and set aside.
- Combine cocoa butter, maple syrup, vanilla and salt in a glass bowl, and using the double boiler method melt all the ingredients together. Stir occasionally to combine everything together. Once fully melted and incorporated, pour contents into the mixing bowl with the oats and nuts. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Line an 8" square baking dish {or any similar size pan} with parchment paper. Pour the granola mixture into the pan. Spread it out evenly. Now you'll need to press the contents down really well to make sure the bars aren't crumbly. I use an additional piece of parchment paper on top and press down with my hands or with a flat-bottomed jar. Once you compacted the granola down enough, place in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes or more to allow mixture to cool off. Once ready, remove from pan onto a cutting board and carefully cut into squares.
Notes
I keep mine refrigerated so they stay fresher longer, though it's not a must. Wrapping bars in a bit of parchment paper will make them easier to handle and store.
Cunat Spencer says
Awesome, I found you on google. I wanted to make a gift for my pregnant boss who has allergies and is vegetarian. These bars were a hit! They make a great "thank you" to anyone.
★★★★★
Audrey says
Aw, so happy to hear they worked out for the occasion :) Thank you for the feedback!
The Vegan 8 says
Ok Audrey, I have been perusing your site and these are what I think I want to make. They look delicious and most of all, simple and few ingredients that I have in stock always! Question though...as far as the cocoa butter, that could really vary when you say 1/2 cup...is that 1/2 cup already melted or 1/2 cup cocoa butter discs or chopped or what? I just want to make sure before beginning...thank you! Can't wait to make these!
Audrey says
Hi Brandi -- wow. So surprised you picked this one! :) It's one of my first recipes on the blog -- I've been slowly going through and editing the older recipes and haven't gotten around to this one yet, hence the lack of detail -- rookie recipe writing at its finest ;)
I just edited the directions -- so it's 1/2 cup chopped cacao butter. I also added a few optional add-ins {cranberries + cinnamon} that I've been throwing in occasionally. Mini chocolate chips are a good addition too :)
Just based on our discussions over the last few weeks + keeping ingredient simplicity in mind, here are a few recipes I love that I think you might like as well:
Gluten-Free Vegan Brownie Fudge
Tahini Fig Raw Fudge Bites
Gluten-Free Vegan Raspberry Almond Squares
Gluten-Free Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Overnight Raw Vegan "Nutella" Chia Pudding
Happy baking :)
The Vegan 8 says
Funny you mention that, I had already planned to add cinnamon to these! I will look at your other suggested links first, so I can maybe pick something a bit more fancy...excited nonetheless. Thanks for suggesting simple recipes. They are all I have time for, lol!
Audrey says
Awesome -- and I hear ya about the simple recipes ;)
Heather @ The Soulful Spoon says
Oh my GOSH! These look AMAZING! I have to make:) Thanks for sharing this!!!!
Audrey says
Thanks Heather. Love your enthusiasm :) . Hope you like them!