Vegan Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (No Bake)
Today we are making No Bake Vegan Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars! Making chewy granola bars at home are among my favorite recipes to make at home. Why buy store-bought granola bars all the time with random ingredients (and packaging) when you can make your own at home? They’re customized to your tastes (and usually made of healthier ingredients for the most part).
Many granola bars are now like a sweet treat with how much sugar they contain, which is crazy! My whole family is a fan of buying Clif bars, Kind bars and other popular protein bar or granola bar brands. So I decided to make more healthy granola bars at home filled with dried fruits, nuts and seeds, just so that everyone has some homemade recipes to eat versus relying on the store-bought stuff.
Coffee + Chocolate Flavor
Now, these bars do not contain dried fruit or nuts like a trail mix bar. They’re chocolate-oats-espresso bars, and are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also packed with the rich, irresistible flavors of mocha. We achieve this delightful mocha essence by infusing espresso into our gooey, sticky-sweet base, creating a blend of coffee and chocolate that’s just plain yum!
These bars are also generously studded with velvety chocolate chips, adding an extra layer of indulgence to every bite. It’s mocha and chocolate chip perfection rolled into one delicious snack!
Plus, there’s more good news – these bars are entirely plant-based and gluten-free, making them inclusive of different dietary restrictions that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. So, let’s dive into this no-fuss recipe and create a batch of these mocha-infused granola bars that are bound to become your new snacking obsession. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or simply a lover of all things chocolate, these bars have got you covered. Get ready to treat yourself to a delightful blend of espresso and chocolate, perfectly complemented by those irresistible chocolate chips – it’s a flavor combination that’ll have you coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love These Vegan Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Delicious Mocha Flavor: These homemade granola bars take your taste buds on a journey of pure indulgence with their irresistible mocha flavor. We achieve this delightful taste by infusing the essence of freshly brewed espresso into the mix. The coffee notes perfectly harmonize with the rich chocolate undertones, creating a sensory experience that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s like having your favorite coffee shop treat in a convenient, portable form. Whether you’re a dedicated coffee enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a touch of mocha magic, these bars offer a delightful caffeine kick that’s hard to resist.
Chocolate Coffee Bliss: If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?), these no bake granola bars are going to be a favorite. Every bite is a mesh of textures and flavors, as you encounter the sweet, melty goodness of these chocolate morsels with the light bitterness of the espresso. The chocolate adds a layer of decadence that takes these bars from tasty to extraordinary. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a post-dinner treat, those chocolate chips are there to provide bursts of pure delight. It’s like having a mini chocolate party in every bite, and who could say no to that?
Substitutions: Wet Ingredients
Vegan Butter: Don’t use vegan butter spreads, but rather just the plain butter sticks. I use salted butter sticks from Melt Organics. Do not substitute for coconut oil, peanut butter, almond butter or another high-fat ingredient.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Choose a high-quality vanilla extract, without additional caramel color or dyes. You can also use pure vanilla flavor, which is non-alcoholic so can’t have the extract label.
Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Coconut nectar, brown rice syrup or date syrup may be possible liquid sweetener substitutes. However, the taste will vary in the final recipe.
Substitutions: Dry Ingredients
Cacao Powder: This is the raw, unprocessed version of cocoa powder. Cocoa is common in baking chocolate foods, like brownies! Cacao is very similar, but the cacao beans undergo a different process. They are not heated to the same temperature as cocoa powder is. This preserves its “raw” aspect and retains its antioxidant power more.
Instant Coffee: Use the instant espresso powder that dissolves in water. Do not substitute with liquid coffee.
Vegan Chocolate: Check the ingredient list to make sure there are no added milk products in the chocolate chips (so they are vegan). For best results, use semisweet chocolate chunks or chips. For a slightly more bitter (and lower in sugar) option, use dark chocolate chips. You can use regular size or mini chocolate chips.
There are even companies that make sugar-free chocolate chips using sweetener alternatives, to avoid refined sugars here. For completely raw chocolate chips, use raw cacao nibs!
Oats: This recipe uses quick-cooking oats (quick oats), but you can also use old-fashioned oats (rolled) oats. Do not use steel cut oats, as they will be difficult to blend for this recipe, and the texture won’t be the same. For those with a gluten allergy, look for certified gluten-free oats.
Vegan Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars Recipe Notes
- Switch it up by using dark chocolate chips for a deeper espresso flavor and less sugar.
- Press down
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If you make these Vegan Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!
Vegan Mocha Chocolate Chip Granola Bars (No Bake)
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegan butter melted
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 pinches pink salt
- 2⅔ cup dry quick-cooking oats
- 1 tbsp instant coffee powder
- 4 tsp cacao powder
- ½ cup semisweet vegan chocolate chunks
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the first three ingredients.
- Add in the next four ingredients, stirring to incorporate.
- Stir in the chocolate chips last.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Pat down the granola bar mixture medium-thick into the tray. Press it down firmly with a spatula, or grease your hands so it doesn't stick.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Then cut into 8 bars and enjoy!
Notes
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Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.