Paleo
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free
Jump to VideoSuper easy 3 Step Paleo Baklava Bars! These vegan and paleo friendly “baklava” flavored bars are full of sweet nutty flavor and healthy fats. Lower in carbs, sugar, and great for snacks or breakfast on the go. Totally tastes like that nutty rich dessert, but of course, WAY better for you! ENJOY!
Yep! MORE RECIPE VIDEOS FOR YA!
This Paleo Baklava Bars recipe was originally published in early 2016. I retested, rephotographed, and added a HOW TO RECIPE VIDEO below. Now I am republishing it for you today. Hope you ENJOY!
Hey there! Yes, the snack bar queen has returned! And I am claiming these paleo “baklava” bars the snack fo the Gods, Greek Gods. Ha ha! Totally makes sense because these bars are Greekish, right? . Okay they might not be the real deal baklava, but these sweet and nutty Paleo Baklava bars have been our latest obsession! A snack bar obsession means they are 110% worth sharing with the world!
HOW TO MAKE PALEO BAKLAVA BARS (1 minute video)
Let’s discuss the baklava flavor bar obsession, shall we?
Reason for baklava bar obsession number one…. they are super duper yummy. And two…… they are paleo, lower carb, and vegan friendly. Which makes them another great FUEL source for many. For those of you allergic to nuts, I’m sorry I left you out. Forgive me. But you can make these no bake vegan protein bars instead. Mmm k? Lastly, reason number 3…. they make for a nice change in what we call, the bar stash.
If you’re like us, you probably have a huge stash of bars in your pantry. Right? Not just one kind, like SEVERAL kind. Protein bars, oat bars, fruit/nut bars, savory bars, vegan or paleo bars, chocolate bars, etc. etc. etc. You get my point. Bars are handy and convenient. But then there are times when just wanted something a little nutty and sweet but without all the dried fruit. Ya know?
Which is why I totally made these Paleo Baklava Bars. They are lighter is sugar and carbs (like these bars) but not lacking superfood nutrition! A paleo nut bar that is super moist (hate that word) and super delicious. Made with SUPER SIMPLE ingredients. Oh and of course vegan friendly if you want to use maple syrup. Always an option there.
You see where I’m going with this, right.? Simple REAL FOOD ingredients make for the best snackage.. that’s a word.
Chopped nuts, almond butter or tahini, honey (or maple syrup), spices, coconut oil, and almond meal. Yep. SIMPLE to the max!
I bet now you are wondering. .. um… “Lindsay, how are these even relevant to Baklava?”
Oh oh but they are!
You see, baklava is a “rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo/phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey. ” Wikipedia
And while I might not have the filo dough in this recipe, I do have a flour like texture that makes them stick together. The almond meal and a touch of coconut flour. Think of these Paleo Baklava bars as deconstructed baklava all toasted and sliced. The foodie in me approves of that thought process!
If you are Greek, I’m sorry, I just butchered your beloved baklava dessert, but it might be totally worth it if you give these a try. Just sayin…
Did I mention these bars can be made in 3 little steps? JUST 3!
Step 1 involves pan toasting
Step 2 involves mixing and pressing
Step 3 involves refrigerating then slicing.
No eggs needed, no refined sugars, no oven required, just a skillet to toast the nuts with coconut oil. Which is key because then your house will smell heavenly.
Excuse the fabulous fragmented grammar. I’m focusing in on this slice below!
Now let’s put it all together in the recipe!
EASY Paleo “Baklava” Bars {Vegan Friendly}
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Description
Healthy, vegan friendly, paleo baklava bars are packed full of sweet nutty flavor and healthy fats. Taste like dessert, but made with REAL FOOD.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (see notes for substitutes)
- 1/2 heaping cup chopped walnuts or pecans (about 1/2 c 2 tbsp total)
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1.5 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/4 cup honey (maple syrup or brown rice syrup for vegans)
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup creamy tahini or smooth almond butter
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- dash cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- First, make sure your nuts are chopped. It’s easier just to buy pre-chopped, but both work.
- In a skillet or pan, toast chopped nuts, almond meal, coconut oil , and salt until lightly coated toasted, about 2 minutes to 3 minutes max.
- Mix in honey until it bubbles, then remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Next place your nuts in a bowl and mix in almond butter or tahini , extract, and coconut flour.
- Spread and flatten into 8×8 dish to cool.
- Refrigerate or freeze for 30 minutes.
- Slice into into squares and wrap each square in plastic wrap or foil to hold the texture.
- Keep in fridge due to coconut oil
Notes
- Feel free to add in coconut or any other dried fruit to the mix when toasting nuts!
- If you prefer, you can use pistachios versus hazelnuts, but they might not bind as well to hold the bars.
- ESTIMATED NUTRITION PER BAR below. Varies depending on the nuts you use.
- Category: dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 7.4g
- Sodium: 39.4mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3.1g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: paleo, baklava, vegetarian, vegan, dessert bars
Now, since I know most of you all love a good bar recipe, please let me know if you try this or need substitutions. We made several batches and kept them in freezer until ready to eat or place in cooler. The only downfall (minor) that comes with these paleo baklava bars is that they will get soft in the heat due to the coconut oil. So be sure to keep in fridge or cooler when traveling. Trust me though, so worth it.
Favorite homemade bar recipe?
Ever tried baklava? I should really add that to my list to attempt to make gluten free…
[clickToTweet tweet=”3 steps are all you need to make #Paleo ‘Baklava’ Bars! #vegan friendly and packed full sweet nutty flavor. #recipe ” quote=”3 steps are all you need to make Paleo ‘Baklava’ Bars!”]
Cheers!
Hi, I’m Lindsay! Gluten Free Nutrition Specialist, food photographer and author of 
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Mmm loving all those nuts! No, I’ve never had baklava, but these would be a good place to start!
i concur! 😉 and easier
I grew up making baklava with my grandmother and boy, was it complicated! I haven’t made it since, but have been craving its flaky and slightly sweet flavor. This looks like such a perfect recipe to try!
“Slightly sweet!” Oh you have not tried baklava!
I’m a little embarrassed to say that this post has me drooling. One of my best friends growing up was Greek and her parents owned a Greek restaurant. Baklava was a staple in her brown-bag lunches and she always shared with her friends. I think I need to make these ASAP.
OMG that is awesome. PRetty sure the real deal is better ,but hey, at least you can eat more of these, right? LOL!
OMG i need her parents to teach me!
The texture of these looks incredible, I want them now!
I cannot find hazelnuts that aren’t mixed with other nuts. Could I just use both walnuts and pecans for the 2 nuts?
I think That should be fine. Keep me posted!
I adore this! My baklava love goes back in one to when I was working in Slovakia with some of my best friends I’ve had in life. Isn’t it awesome how good is tied to memories?
those are the best memories! love that MEgan! so cool
I make my own protein bars & loaf but nothing like that!!! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
You know me – short list of ingredients & not much prep!
Baklava has been on my bucket list FOREVER. Maybe I’ll make these instead… will that count? 😉
Other bucket list things I’m scared to make: macaroons, crepe cake, anything involving yeast.
May the 4th be with you, bro.
you make kombucha and coq du vin… you can do this easy!
Greek Easter was Sunday so it’s all good! I actually would have loved this last weekend because we went to a friend’s house for their Easter! These look delish!!! My last school district that I worked in, there were a lot of Greek people. One teacher in particular that I worked with made the most amazing baklava!! SOOO not good for you but oh so yummy!!!
can we rewind the weekend?
can you track down that recipe? oh that would be amazing!
My mom makes great baklava but when I was younger I didn’t realize how much work actually goes into making it so I volunteered for her to make to bring in to class the next day. I went home and told her and she was like WHAT?? She made it all but now that I realize how intensive it is I always feel bad haha
haha your poor mom. But she is so amazing. Tell her that this weekend and ask her to make some baklava! 😉
I love baklava and I love bars…therefore these are DREAMY! Plus, real food ingredients are always better for snackage (which is most definitely a word)! 🙂
I’m so glad you agree, especially with snackage. LOL!
I have made bakalava recently. The last time I subbed the cinnamon with cardamom. It was wonderful. I would love to try these. I wonder how I could incorporate a little rose water or rose flavoring? Do they make rose extract?
Mmm love that sub? yes, they do make Rose flavor extract
I do get tired of “protein bars”!! The texture, the taste….
This would be perfect to change up my snack game!
me too! I always need variety. LOL!
These bars look amazing. I know that converting a recipe to gluten free can be a challenge. I look forward to a grain free baklava.
it’s a challenge i kinda adore. Am i weird or what? LOL!
I used to loveeeeeeeee baklava but I haven’t had it since finding out I was coeliac (as gluten free filo pastry is pretty much impossible!). I need to try this ASAP! Yum, yum, yum! <3
I’m still looking for a gluten free filo too!
I LOVE Greek food, but I’ve never actually had baklava before! I know, it’s bad XD maybe this will be the first time I get to try the flavor! Yum!
this is close enough! i say go for it! hehe
I’m honestly not sure if I’ve ever had baklava before 😆 I freaking LOVE the honey and nut combo, so maybe? You should send me some of these so I can refresh my memory. OR I’ll gladly be your taste tester while you come up with a GF version
These look incredible!!
Did I mention I love baklava.
Come to me. Bring me these bars. 🙂
on my way! xxoo
Hi,
The baklava look fab!I avoid coconut oil (and butter) do you think they would work with light rapeseed oil or unflavoured oil?
Also does your healthy bite book use a lot of coconut oil/butter? Do you give substitutions/quantities to replace coconut oil/butter if it is included in recipes?
Thanks.
Nina
I think that should work no prob. Maybe a little less oil since it’s already a liquid. And my healthy bites book uses mostly nut butters and honey or agave. I am updating them now though. Which one would you like to check out?
Thanks for your reply.
I have no particular recipe in mind, it was a general question.
I do not want to purchase the book if the recipes use coconut milk and coconut oil/fat and do not give substitutions or have not been tested using other oils – thanks again for taking the time out to reply, very much appreciated.
Just popped these in the freezer they smell amazing. Can’t wait for them to be ready. Yum!
WOOHOO! keep me posted!
Totally making these RIGHT NOW. I have everything in my pantry and I am HUNGRY. Yay! 🙂
can you use sugar free maple syrup in place of honey? I am on the keto diet so low carbs.
I think so. I’m not sure if it will hold as well, but worth a shot! Keep me posted.
Is there a good sub for walnuts (due to allergies)? Thank you
Sure! Can you have pecans or pistachios? Those work.
So much good stuff in them!!
Love love love the new photos! Baklava (or paklava as Armenians call it!) is a family recipe that I make often but DANG it is a lot of work. Will have to try these out when I need a fix in a flash!
They sound so simple and delicious!
I don’t think I’ve ever tried baklava! It’s annoying that they always contain honey, but I’m so happy that you made a vegan-friendly recipe! These ones look superb. Can’t believe they’re Paleo, either!
These are SOOOO genius!!!!
I need one now!
It looks very tasty, I have to do it today for dinner.
★★★★★
I’m a proud supporter of guilt-free baklava!!
What is the purpose of that almond flour? Could I just use more coconut flour instead?
Thank you!
It helps act as a binder. I am not sure coconut would work, it’s a little drier. But you could totally try it!
Hello,
I can’t handle coconut (or gluten or soy or milk)—is there a way to substitute for the coconut flour and oil? This looks delicious.
Thank you!
Can you have tapioca starch or potato starch or arrowroot starch? I would try that instead of coconut flour. maybe 3 tbsp instead of 2 tbsp. Then use grapeseed oil or avocado oil for the coconut oil. A vegan butter could work but it might have soy. Keep me posted!
These look yummy! Do you have a suggestion for a substitute on for coconut flour? Sweet rice flour?
Sure! you could try oat flour or rice flour. I haven’t tried it yet but it could work. or even arrowroot starch.
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★★★
How can it be vegan and have cholesterol?
sorry about that. Typo. I updated nutrition facts for 11 bars. It’s “estimated” nutrition depending on the nuts you use. Hope that helps!
Great tips but please check your grammar and spelling.
★★★★★
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Thank you for the feedback!
This is a really tasty and healthy recipe! I love how easy to make it is!!! I was looking for a healthy alternative to baklava as I have a bit of a baklava obsession. I replaced the almond butter with cashew butter! So yummy. Definitely will keep trying different versions of this recipe.
★★★★★
Thank you Bree! 😀 Love the idea of using cashew butter, the flavor would be so good with that! Keep me posted on future variations ??
This recipe looks delish! I’ve been wanting to try a baklava recipe for years.
Do you think Bobs Red Mill GF 1:1 would work as well to bind the bars as the almond + coconut flour?
Hi Arianna! I am not sure if would work evenly with that flour, but i think it would be close! Give it a try! 🙂 Keep me posted.
I made this tonight with white rice, salad and roasted asparagus with olive oil, lemon and garlic. It was absolutely delicious!!!!
Seriously? This is a super easy recipe! I’m no “chef” either!
Beautiful piece of Salmon. I love, love, love the lime. Thank you for sharing this recipe. Shared and pinned.
I’m allergic to almonds – could I use (or make) some other nut meal to substitute?
Sure! what do you have? Oat flour might work!
Thank you! I can wait to try this!