Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Superfood acai bars on a baking sheet with a glass of milk.

Superfood Acai Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Easy!)

5 from 2 votes
Pin
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Freezing Time:: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 10 bars
Author: Christin Russman
These Superfood Acai Bars are absolutely addicting! They’re sweet, chocolatey, fruity, and PACKED with superfood nutrition from acai, hemp seeds, walnuts, and more. And the best part- you can make them in just 20 minutes (+ time to freeze). =)
Print

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Medium or large baking sheet
  • 8x8 baking pan
  • Parchment paper (or aluminum foil/wax paper)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats - gluten-free if desired
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - optional
  • 3/4 cup packed, pitted soft medjool dates - roughly 9-10 medium dates (if not soft, soak in water for 15 minutes and drain)
  • 1/4 cup hemp seeds
  • 1/4 cup acai powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup 
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 (heaping) cup vegan chocolate chips - We use 'Enjoy Life' brand
  • 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes - Note: regular shredded (NOT finely shredded) 'looks' better in this recipe, but either works.
  • 1/4 cup goji berries*

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper (or you can spray the pan with coconut oil).
  • Add the walnuts to the food processor and process until broken into very small pieces.
    Two images of before and after adding raw walnuts to a food processor and blending
  • To a bare (medium or large) baking sheet, add the oats and the walnuts from the food processor (don’t clean the food processor yet). Use your hands to spread out and combine, then sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly brown. Transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.
    A baking pan covered with oats and walnuts.
  • Meanwhile, to the food processor, add the dates, hemp seeds, acai powder, maple syrup, and vanilla. Blend until thoroughly combined.
    Two images showing acai bars ingredients added to a food processor and blend it
  • Remove blade and using a spatula, transfer the acai mixture to a medium bowl. Note: it will be very sticky. 
    Add the toasted oat/walnut mix to the bowl and combine with the acai mixture. Stir with a spoon until thoroughly combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
    Three images showing acai mixture blended with oats and combined with chocolate chips
  • Transfer the mixture to the 8x8 pan and press down evenly. Use a spatula to press down firmly. Then sprinkle the goji berries on top evenly and press down into the mixture, then add the coconut flakes, pressing down firmly. The more you press, the better the bars will hold together.
    2 images showing acai mixture top with Goji berries and coconut flakes
  • Freeze for 20 minutes to harden. When ready, remove by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Using a large knife, cut into 10 squares (1 1/2 inches wide).
  • Storage instructions: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for 2 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight.  

Video

Notes

You can also make this recipe into balls instead of bars. To do this, after adding in the chocolate chips, add in the goji berries and coconut and roll into balls. Freeze. OR, you can also roll the balls in coconut instead. 
*If you don't have any goji berries on hand, you can also use dried cranberries or even golden raisins. 
While you technically can leave these bars out of the fridge for a couple hours, we found that refrigerating lends to the best results in regards to taste and texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 31.1g | Protein: 4.8g | Fat: 9.5g | Sodium: 66.7mg | Sugar: 16.8g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @veggie__chick or tag #veggiechick