How to Make Vegan Dessert Bars – Deliciously Simple!
Vegan dessert bars are a perfect option when you want a sweet treat that’s free from dairy and eggs but full of flavor and texture.
These bars combine plant-based ingredients like almond milk or coconut oil to create a tender, moist base that holds together well.
The secret is using a blend of whole ingredients—such as nut butters, flax eggs, and natural sweeteners—to maintain richness and structure without traditional baking staples.
You need to use ripe bananas or applesauce for moisture, and I suggest adding a touch of vanilla or cinnamon to deepen the flavor.
Whether you prefer a chocolate chip version, fruit-studded bars, or nutty bites, this base recipe adapts easily to your preferences.
Baking these bars results in a satisfying, chewy texture that you’ll want to slice up for snacks or dessert.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Bake Time | Cooling Time | Total Time | Course | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30–35 minutes | 20 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes | Dessert / Snack | 12 bars |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | For 6 Bars | For 12 Bars | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 2 cups | Whole wheat flour or gluten-free blend |
| Maple syrup or agave nectar | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Brown rice syrup or coconut nectar |
| Almond milk (unsweetened) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Oat milk or soy milk |
| Flaxseed meal (for flax egg) | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | Chia seeds (ground) |
| Water (for flax egg) | 3 tbsp | 6 tbsp | Use extra almond milk |
| Coconut oil (melted) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Neutral oil (canola, vegetable) |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | Aluminum-free baking powder |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | Almond or coconut extract |
| Chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional) | ¼ cup | ½ cup | Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) |
Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives)
- 8×8 inch baking pan (or 9×9 inch)
- Mixing bowls (or large container)
- Whisk or fork (or hand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons (or digital scale)
- Rubber spatula (or wooden spoon)
- Parchment paper (or greased foil)
How to Make Vegan Dessert Bars
This recipe starts by making a flax egg, then mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining into a smooth batter.
Follow these steps for the best results.
Step 1: Make Flax Egg
Combine flaxseed meal with water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.
This acts as your egg replacer.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and the flax egg until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift or stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep bars tender.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-ins
Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or seeds if using, distributing evenly.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let bars cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.
Decoration & Serving Tips
- Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a simple touch
- Drizzle with vegan chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence
- Serve with fresh fruit or vegan whipped cream
- Wrap individual bars for on-the-go snacks
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Vegan Bars: Add ¼ cup peanut butter to wet ingredients
- Berry Vegan Bars: Fold in fresh or frozen berries before baking
- Tropical Bars: Use shredded coconut and chopped pineapple pieces
- Mocha Bars: Add 1 tbsp instant coffee granules to dry ingredients
Storing Tips
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate to extend freshness up to 7 days
- Freeze wrapped bars for 1–2 months, thaw before serving
Extra Tips
- Use ripe bananas or applesauce for added moisture and sweetness
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh for good rise
- Don’t skip resting flax egg for full thickening effect
- Avoid overbaking to keep bars chewy, not dry
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Brittle texture | Serve with vegan sauce or dip | Check baking time carefully, avoid overbaking |
| Bars falling apart | Chill before slicing | Ensure flax egg is fully set before mixing |
| Dry bars | Add a bit more almond milk and cover bars after baking | Don’t overbake, and use ripe fruit for moisture |
| Flat bars | Add a bit more baking powder | Use fresh leavening agents and don’t overmix |
Vegan dessert bars are simple, tasty, and flexible enough for any flavor you want.
Give this recipe a try and share your favorite variations or toppings in the comments below!
