5 Ingredient Raw Vegan Bars

We are a busy family, and this year has been no exception. Trying to juggle homeschooling, working from home full time, and building a business has been quite the task in 2020. Quick and easy vegan meals and snacks are a necessity in our household. Homemade vegan trail mix and vegan bars are essential items.

When shopping for vegan bars I definitely check out the ingredients. Is there a long list of ingredients? Are they packed with added sugars, artificial additives, or artificial preservatives? Those are some of the questions I ask.

​Some of our favorites store bought items are Made Good Bars and Mezcla bars. They contain wholesome, non-GMO, and gluten free ingredients.

Almonds, walnuts, raisins, dates, and a sprinkle of cinnamon are all it takes to make these yummy bars. This is also a simple vegan recipe for kids to enjoy. My daughter helped me make these, and they turned out very well. Many bars today are marketed for kids and have a large amount of added sugars.

​People fail to realize that there is a very big difference between added sugars and natural sugars. Added sugars are added in during the processing stage, and they do not provide any nutritional value. Naturally occurring sugars in whole foods like fruit have added health benefits like fiber and antioxidants. 

What about the sugar in dates and raisins? The sugars in raisins occur naturally and are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. When eaten in moderation they have great health benefits. Raisins can boost iron levels, keep your bones strong, and help you with digestion.

Like raisins, dates are a great alternative sweetener. Dates contain vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin C, and magnesium. They also contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage from toxins and folate that is important in pregnancy.

Dates are such a versatile and nutritious treat that can be used in everything from vegan chocolate brownies to delicious, energizing bars.

Sweet, chewy, snackable, nutritious, and only five ingredients!

Author: The Sensible Vegan
Recipe Type: Smoothie
Cuisine: Vegan
Serving: 8

​Ingredients:

• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup lightly salted almonds
• 1 individual snack box of raisins (1 oz.)
• A pinch of cinnamon

Directions:

• Place dates and raisins into food processor. Pulse until evenly blended.
• Slowly add in almonds and pulse the mixture again.
• Add in the walnuts and cinnamon and pulse until thoroughly ground and blended.
• I used this granola bar mold (paid link) I found on Amazon to shape them. It's such a great product and makes everything even. You can also use a square  pan lined with parchment paper as well.
• Once the mixture is evenly distributed in the mold or the pan, press it down firmly. 
• Refrigerate for two hours.
• Slice and serve.

Nutrition Info: Serving size: 1 bar   Calories: 154   Fat: 4.5g    Saturated Fat: 0.4g    Protein: 2.5g  Sugar: 23.2g    Fiber: 3.4g   Sodium: 63mg   Carb: 33g