Nut Free Granola Bars
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My nut free granola bars are made with four simple ingredients with zero baking required. They’re the perfect kid-friendly, school-safe snack! They are also great for meal prep.
As much as my family loves protein granola bars or healthy granola bars, sometimes, we need a nut-free alternative. That’s where this nut-free granola bar recipe comes in. These pack in tons of flavor in a fiber-packed snack.
When testing these, I tried both sunflower seed butter and tahini. Sunbutter gave a classic, slightly sweet flavor that the kids who tried these loved, while tahini made them taste richer and less sweet- perfect for adults. Both versions hold together really well, even after packing them in lunchboxes.
Table of Contents
Why trust my nut-free granola bars recipe
- 4 ingredients. You’ll love that it’s made with just four ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand.
- Easily customizable. Not a fan of dried fruit? Swap it out for some seeds, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips. The options are limitless.
- Cheaper than store-bought. I’m blown away by how expensive granola bars are nowadays! This recipe is a fraction of the cost AND way healthier, in my opinion.
- Back-to-school friendly. With most schools adopting a nut-free environment, you can keep your kids satisfied between classes with these homemade granola bars.
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “These are SO good for my kids who have a nut allergy. They are great for their lunchboxes and hold up really well.” – Eddie
★★★★★ – “My son has a nut allergy and these have been a staple. So easy!” – Lynn
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
- Quick oats. Also known as “instant oats.” If you’d like these granola bars to be gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Sunbutter or tahini. For texture and to bind the other ingredients. Ensure that whichever you use is smooth and drippy, with no added sugar.
- Honey OR brown rice syrup. I found that honey and brown rice syrup gave the strongest hold. I tested maple syrup and found the bars crumbled more easily.
- Dried fruit. I used a mix of dried cranberries, apricots, blueberries, and raisins.
Recipe variations
- Make chewier bars. If you like your bars on the chewy side, swap half of the instant oats for rolled oats or “old-fashioned oats.”
- Use peanut butter instead. If you don’t have a nut allergy, you can use peanut butter or almond butter instead.
- Add mix-ins. Like vegan chocolate chips, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds.
- Enhance the flavor. Add a dash of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to really make these bars pop.
How to make nut free granola bars
Step 1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients.
Step 2- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the sunflower butter and honey and microwave until smooth. Transfer the mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Fold in the dried fruit.
Step 3- Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press down until smooth on top. Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to firm up.
Step 4- Remove the pan from the fridge and slice into bars.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Use a warm, sharp knife. To make cutting the bars easier, I like to run my knife under hot water, then dry it, slice it, and repeat.
- Press the mixture in. This step helps the bars hold together after slicing.
- Don’t skip chilling. An hour in the fridge sets the bars and makes cutting clean and easy.
Storage instructions
To store: Granola bars are best stored in the refrigerator, covered. They will keep well for up 2 weeks.
To freeze: Place leftover bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Nut Free Granola Bars
Video
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the oats in salt and mix well. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the tahini and honey and microwave in 20-second spurts until the honey is warm. Whisk the honey and tahini together until smooth. Transfer the melted mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold through the dried fruit at the end.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined pan and press down until smooth on top. Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to firm up.
- Remove the pan from the refrigerator and slice into bars.
Notes
- Leftovers: Granola bars are best stored in the refrigerator, covered. They will keep well for up 2 weeks.
- Mix-ins: I’m using dried fruit (as pictured, but seeds, chocolate chips, coconut, or other nut-free additions are all great options. Opt for half a cup total.
Nutrition
More no bake snack recipes
- No bake oatmeal bars
- Protein puppy chow
- Pumpkin protein balls
- Or any of these no bake snacks
Originally updated May 2024
Hm maybe instead of tabini sauce is it okay to use peanut or almond butter?
Thank you for the free e-book! I was actually scrolling down to find a link to purchase a hard copy book then saw the link to the e-book – greatly appreciated 👏🏼
Do you also have hard copy books avail to purchase & do your recipe books have notes on customising recipes for dairy free & gluten free options?
Many thanks Chantal
Is there a way to use less honey? They are delicious but I would prefer less sweet.
Yes for sure- Just add a little water if it becomes to hard to shape.
PG 13…Sassy Sunday Sexcapades or just PG Say Anything Sunday.
Man that kid can dance. I could learn a thing or two. I may need to bring his moves to my kitchen dance parties.
Next time I EVER complain I have no time to do a cardio workout- I’m copying his dance moves. Seriously. That puts body pump and step classes to shame.
Seriously?! That little guys got some MOVES! Dang! Haha! And I think, yeah, pretty sure that I’m the only person who never used MSN. I was into some chat rooms and stuff when I was a teenager, but my computer time was limited…like I was only able to “sneak” and use it when my parents weren’t around and that wasn’t often enough! Ha!
Hmm, as far as the link up goes, I think if you’re wanting to go with the whole “S” thing, it should definitely be on a Saturday…plus I think since not a lot of bloggers post on Saturdays (including myself) it would be something fun without making anyone start to feel obligated to link up? Maybe… Shout it out Saturday? Say MORE Saturday?
I know right- Its my new go- to HIIT workout lol!
You and me both- My mum went to such extremes like taking the modem with her whenever I had a day off school lol!
Thanks for the link up ideas- I think a Sunday one is it- now for the name….I personally wanted something PG13 but I’m afraid it’ll be a 3 person party with us and Meghan.
Are you suggesting a threesome? That’s what I heard.
TWSS.
Spill It Saturday/Sunday. Friday Free Fallings. Talkative Tuesdays. Tell It Tuesday. Monday Mumbles. Thursday Thoughts. Ahhhh… Fried brain over here. I’ve got nothing else. I’ve used up all of my smart words for the reports I’m writing.
Alright. Not really as I only have 2 paragraphs done.
I never used MSN, but I did use AOL/AIM. And I can completely relate to all of those. Did MSN have little robot messengers? My friends and I used to harass “Cupid” all of the time and we’d get the most hilarious auto responses back.
We had those moving motion things of dinasours and watermelon ladies (?) haha- that sounds so wrong!
I definitely like the ‘T’ suggestions- Most people are keen for a Thursday link up so I’ll have to brainstorm T words!
2 paragraphs is still an achievement….I would take breaks after every damn sentence when essay writing…oops.
I am useless with creative stuff so will leave for others – fun for the rest of the post! 🙂 Too funny on the mustache & dancing & well,m so much! Great recipe!
The moustache is NOT a great look on me- It actually looks fake haha! I’m going to do that dance next time I want to do HIIT.
I did AIM, but not MSN! I don’t know if it’s a timing thing or a country thing or what. How about “Saturdays/ Sundays are for Sharing,” “Saturday/ Sunday Selfie: Blog-Style,” “Thursday Thoughts” …. OK that’s all I’ve got. 🙂 Excited to learn more about the bloggers, though!
Thanks for the suggestions Megan- I think the consensus is for a Thursday or incorporating thoughts is one to consider 😉
I do think Aim is an American thing and MSN elsewhere! Definitely excited to roll this out!
Now that I read the other comments, I like Talk and Tidbits Thursdays!!!