![- 2 cups rolled oats - 1 cup crispy rice cereal - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt Let’s talk about the ingredients for these nut-free granola bars. You need rolled oats for a hearty base. They add fiber and energy for your day. Crispy rice cereal brings a fun crunch. Pumpkin seeds give protein and good fats. Sunflower seeds are also great. They add a nice nutty flavor. For sweetness, you can use honey or maple syrup. Both work well and taste great. Dried cranberries or raisins add a touch of sweetness and chewiness. Coconut oil keeps the bars moist and binding. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. A little cinnamon gives warmth, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. - Caloric content per serving: About 180 calories. - Overview of macronutrients: Each bar has about 4g of protein, 7g of fat, and 28g of carbs. - Benefits of the ingredients used: This recipe is packed with nutrients. Oats provide fiber, which helps digestion. Seeds offer healthy fats and proteins. Dried fruits add vitamins and minerals. Together, these ingredients create a balanced snack that is both healthy and delicious. For more details on making these bars, refer to the Full Recipe. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Next, prepare your baking pan. Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Add the cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until it is well combined. This blend gives your bars texture and flavor. In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This mixture will help bind your dry ingredients together. Make sure it is smooth and well blended. Now, pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until every piece is coated. This is key for flavor. Next, transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly. Use your hands or the back of a spatula. This step helps the bars stick together after baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. This color means your bars are done. To check doneness, gently press the top. If it feels firm, it’s ready. Let the pan cool for about 10 minutes, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely before cutting into bars or squares. Enjoy your nut-free granola bars! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Pressing the mixture is very important. It helps the bars stick together. Use your hands or a spatula to push it down firmly in the pan. The more you press, the better they hold. After baking, let them cool for a bit in the pan. This makes them less crumbly. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Then, let them cool completely on a cutting board. You can swap sweeteners easily. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different taste. For dried fruits, try using chopped dates or apricots. They add a nice flavor and texture. You can also replace pumpkin and sunflower seeds with other seeds like chia or flax. Each choice gives a unique twist to your bars. Serve the bars on a wooden board for a rustic look. You can put them in a clear jar, too. Drizzle some extra honey on top for sweetness and shine. If you want to gift them, wrap them in parchment paper and tie with twine. This makes your nut-free granola bars look special and inviting. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your nut-free granola bars. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet touch. Coconut flakes offer a tropical vibe. You can also add spices like ginger or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Seasonal fruits can enhance your bars. In summer, use dried mango or apricots. In winter, add dried apples or pears. These flavors keep your bars exciting and fresh. To add more protein, consider adding chia seeds or hemp seeds. They boost the nutritional value without changing the flavor much. For fiber, try adding ground flaxseed. You can also incorporate superfoods like spirulina or acai powder for a health kick. Mix these into the dry ingredients before adding the wet ingredients. This way, you'll evenly distribute the extra nutrients. For those needing gluten-free options, choose certified gluten-free oats. You can also use gluten-free crispy rice cereal. Make sure to check labels for cross-contamination. This is important to keep your recipe safe for everyone. When you bake, keep your kitchen tools clean. This helps avoid any gluten traces in your bars. Enjoy making these nut-free granola bars with peace of mind! To keep your nut-free granola bars fresh, use an airtight container. A glass jar or a plastic container works well. Store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, the fridge is a great option. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for two weeks. Just remember, cold bars might be a bit harder. Freezing is a great way to keep your granola bars for longer. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also leave them at room temperature for an hour. Check your granola bars for signs of spoilage. If they look dry or hard, they might be past their best. Smell them; if they have an off odor, it is best to toss them. Fresh bars should smell sweet and nutty. To keep them fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Keeping them sealed tight helps maintain their taste and texture. Yes, you can make nut-free granola bars vegan! To do this, swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. These plant-based sweeteners work well and keep the bars sweet. If the recipe calls for butter, use coconut oil instead. This keeps the texture nice and moist while keeping it vegan. Absolutely! You can use many different seeds in your nut-free granola bars. Here are some great options: - Chia seeds - Flaxseeds - Hemp seeds - Sesame seeds These seeds add unique flavors and nutrients. Feel free to mix and match them based on your taste! Customizing your granola bars is fun and easy! Here are some ideas: - Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less sweetener based on your taste. You can also use mashed bananas or applesauce for natural sweetness. - Change the crunchiness: For extra crunch, include more crispy rice cereal or add in some toasted coconut flakes. - Add flavors: Try adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a twist. You can also mix in dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. These adjustments let you create a snack that fits your preferences perfectly! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious granola bars. We looked at the key ingredients, from oats and seeds to sweeteners. You learned step-by-step instructions for making the bars, plus tips for perfecting them. We discussed fun variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. These bars are not only tasty but also easy to customize and store. Now, you can create your own healthy snack that fits your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy making and sharing your granola bars with friends and family!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fd1861f3-5432-45db-ac07-a466df80408f-250x250.webp)
- Nut-Free Granola Bars
Looking for a delicious snack? Try these Nut-Free Granola Bars! Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, seeds, and dried fruit, they’re perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacking. This easy recipe takes just 35-40 minutes to create a sweet and crunchy treat everyone will love. Ready to give it a go? Click through to discover how to make these tasty bars and enjoy a healthier snack option today!