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These nut free granola bars are made with 4 simple ingredients with zero baking required. They’re the perfect kid-friendly, school-safe snack!
Love homemade granola bars? Try my healthy granola bars, protein granola bars, and keto granola bars.
We’re major snackers in my family, so having granola bars on hand is a must. But not all granola bars are created equal. 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.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 4 ingredients. For such an easy and delicious snack, you’ll love that it’s made with just four ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand already.
- 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.
Ingredients needed
- Quick oats. Also known as “instant oats.” If you’d like these granola bars to be gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
- Sea salt. Just a pinch to bring out the sweet flavors.
- Sunbutter or tahini. For texture and to bind the other ingredients. Make sure whichever you use is smooth and drippy with no added sugar.
- Honey. Raw honey, but you can also use maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or golden syrup. If you use the latter two, your granola bars will be much darker.
- Dried fruit and chocolate chips. I used a mix of dried cranberries, blueberries, and raisins.
How to make nut free granola bars
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the sunflower butter and honey and microwave until smooth. Transfer the mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the dried fruit.
Step 2- Shape and refrigerate. 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 3- Slice. 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 it.
- 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.
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.
More no bake snack recipes
- No bake oatmeal bars
- Protein puppy chow
- Pumpkin protein balls
- Larabars
- Or any of these no bake snacks.
Nut Free Granola Bars
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add your 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
Nutrition
Originally published August 2021, updated and republished 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!!!
i think MSN was more of an international thing but i did AIM. i had so many screen names…i was obsessed with clay aiken at one point and had aiken4clayalways. when i got a little more mature i had loveignitesstars which i thought was very ~*mystical*~ and pensive. my very first screen name ever was gelpengirl12 – it’s the classic. i totally remember when someone was typing for awhile and i would just stare wondering what they were saying. i still do that on gchat actually! and i definitely had a history of asking friends if someone had blocked me. sometimes..they had! oh middle/high school drama.
i’m still brainstorming on this alliteration thing. i don’t want to take the thunder from MIMM or WIAW…i know that three things thursday is already a thing but maybe we could just make it a thing where you share three things about yourself, not three things in general?
So true actually- most of you guys used Aim and I had never! I swear most of my female friends had ‘hot’ ‘baby’ ‘sexy’ in their names or msn names lol! That reminds of the elusive myspace top friends…dear God if you got downgraded a spot!
I definitely don’t want to make it a Monday-Wednesday or Friday- the general consensus seems to think Thursday is best but the three thing concept could definitely work- especially if its themed! Thanks for the suggestions!
oh my goodness MSN. Do you remember ICQ? That was my first chat operating system lol
Your recipe looks amazing. Thanks, as always, for linking up to #RECIPEFRIDAY. You sure bring inspiration to the plate 😉
I’ve never heard of ICQ! Although my mum was SO strict with my internet usage so I barely was allowed msn…although found ways around it 😉
Thank YOU for being the ever FUreaking awesome host!
Wow, that guy can almost put Beyonce out of work! Shake it boy!! 😉
How about ‘Self Talk Saturday’ for the link-up? Or ‘Two-Bit Thursday’ where everyone can share their two bits about themselves. Sorry, I’m lame when it comes to thinking up names. 😉
Two bit Thursdays sound great- The general consensus seem to favour Thursday as the day for the link up so something with T is on the books!
I think you need to have something sparkly and colorful in the name of your link up. Color My World, True Colors, Sparkle-tastic, Rainbow Bright & Beautiful, Shine On, etc..I love your Off The Cuff Fridays logo 😀
I’ve never had sunbutter before though..i know right?! But those sunbutter bars sound great – especially if i sub with AB or PB..yum!
btw I choose Chris Koo..Queen B can stay in the bin! x
Thanks for the suggestions!
The bars will definitely work with another nut butter- You need to try sunbutter though it is so good! I have a giveaway planned next week 😉
Ideas:
Let’s Talk Tuesdays!
or..
The Blogger Behind the Blog
Thanks for the ideas 😀
Ha, I’m glad you stole my giveaway idea!! You would think that being a journalist would make me creative and good at thinking of these kinds of things, but nope. I got nothing!
LOL I laughed so hard at those MSN Messenger pics. Ahhh it takes me back. And that dancing video is AMAZING. He is seriously better than Beyonce. Back when I was dancing, my friends used to heckle me to dance like her, because according to them I was better. I don’t know about that… My best friend when I was 18/19 is actually one of the best known drag queens in Australia now, but back then I spent a looooot of time going to amateur drag nights and this was exactly what it was like!
You’ll need to video that- Love a white girl who dances better than Queen B haha!
Join the club- I did a minor in English and Journalism and the most creative I can come up with is Thursday things. Great.
I love the idea of Movember. There’s a kid I know growing a pretty fancy stash right now. I think that the iPhone is an extension of MSN or AIM because you can see when people are typing… so it messes with your mind. Like if someone types for a while then stops and never sends anything, it’s like… what were you going to say!??! Same with the “read at” feature. Heartbreaking when someone reads and doesn’t respond.
Ohhhh I completely forgot about iphones- YES. So true- and when it just stops. Frustrating to the max.
Ooh, I can’t wait to see you with a moustache! 😛
I absolutely love granola bars but the store versions usually have way too much sugar and most of the recipes I’ve found are way too troublesome for lazy ole me. Thanks for sharing a no bake recipe, seriously that and easy are the buzz words I look for in recipes.
Haha, it might scare you…
Some of the store bought ones really are just sugar in a nice little package! Fail!
Actually my extra random post today was just for you, Arman. I used to have AIM, but I think the sentiment is the same. Man, I remember the days BEFORE you could see if someone was typing. I used to be on that thing all NIGHT. Crazy.
and that is why I loved it 😉
Join the club- My mum used to take the modem with her to work on my days off because I was so damn addicted to it!
I can sooo relate to those MSN messenger. What was I thinking doing A/S/L and long statuses (seriously)…I will have to make some granola bar this weekend. thanks for the inspiration.
No worries, Dixya! Ohhh I forgot about the A/S/L thing….geebuz I ‘met’ so many weirdos through that!
NOOOOOO Queen B get out of there!! Poor B. I didn’t use MSN messenger but I did use AIM—pretty similar I’d say and sooo funny to look back on/think about. I wish I could help you with the name for link-up but alliteration and me don’t get along. I would say a weekend day would probs be best though!
Thanks for the feedback Erin! Its so funny we never used Aim but I hear all you guys up in the Northern Hemisphere preferred that over msn! So much time wasted on that damn thing!
OMG…I seriously love that video of that guy dancing to Beyoncé! He’s SO into it! That’s like me at my Zumba class…no really! 😉
Ummm…I’m going to have to think of ideas to title the link-up. I’m seriously so bad at that, but if anything pops into my mind, I’ll let you know.
I have really, really got to try making my own granola bars. You make it look so easy!
Have a fab weekend Arman!
I’d love to come to one of your Zumba classes now then- especially if its as epic as that guy!
Anything no bake is generally a safe bet in terms of simplicity…I’ve probably cursed myself now and will mess an attempt up! hope your having a great weekend and forthcoming week off!
That guy dancing to Beyonce — omigosh I can’t handle it. He’s so into it! 😆
As for the linkup… that’s an issue I’m struggling with myself — it’s hard to find a good day since there are a good handful of them out there already! I think Sunday would probably be your safest bet. And a name… hmmm. Yeah no idea… I literally spent 15 minutes sitting and thinking. Friday morning brain fart…
Its seriously a workout in itself- he’s bloody talented!
Ahh nice you thinking of starting a link up too 😀 ? It is hard to pick a name, but I’m thinking something with a T seeing as the consensus on here are keen on a Thursday!
Friday mornings = worst thinking time- Truth.
MSN! Yes.. omg I was obsessed. And when internet was still on dial up and someone picked up the phone when you were in a deep convo with someone and then BAM disconnected! Hahah throwback for sure.
Oh that was the worst…..and you couldn’t sms them because you were on a $30 pre paid a month plan and had to save all your credit (or was that just me… lol)
Hahaha that MSN Buzzfeed article is pure gold. Seriously brings me back to the good days… I’m pretty sure I’m guilty of all of those things. Also, playing games of truth or dare over MSN. Good times lol.
Those bars look SO good! So excited to try them. 😀
Truth or dare over msn- the BEST. My mum used to take the modem with her to work when I had days off because I was always on it!
Hope you do try the bars!
This is when I wish I had a creative bone when it came to thinking of titles…but considering that it took me a good year or two to come up with my own blog name, we’ll probably be here a while :S
And oh my goodness, MSN…that takes me back. I remember in high school the thing to do was that if you were dating someone, you were expected to have their name in hearts somewhere in your screen name. Awkward.
Oh geebuz…or you’d allude your crush in your name. I cringe thinking back to those days!
Glad it took you that long to come up with your name- I associate sprinkles with you to this day.
Seriously…who put Queen B in the bin. Not cool. Also I called it the bin. Who am I?
Thoughtful Thursdays? OR more accurately FML Fridays?
‘Thoughtful Thursdays’- what kind of a Maven are you? Haha fml Fridays- I wish. I think most want a Thursday linkup so maybe a tweak on a thoughtful and we’ve got something going on!
HAHAHA poor Beyonce! HOW DARE THEY. I can’t remember what my msn name was! I miss it!!! But, on the bright side, my work has Sametime instant messaging, so it’s basically the same thing. I spend all day messaging my work friends instead of working.
Please tell me you have snapchat.
I love Amy’s ^ ideas! She wins 🙂 haha I’m going to think about this over the weekend — too early for my brain to be working very hard right now. MSN messenger– such a throwback! Pretty sure I was on that thing 24/7. Ah those were the days. I am loving Sunbutter lately. I have a couple of others bars on my to-make list but certainly adding these to my never ending list. Have a great weekend friend!
ps. Queen B = life.
LOl – true story- My mum used to hide the modem or take it to work with her when I had days off school because I was such an addict!
I think The Talk and Tidbit Thursdays might be it- The consensus seem to be hankering for a Thursday link up!
PS expect a reply this afternoon 🙂
Amy’s Talk and Tidbit Tuesdays and Ally’s Self Centered Sundays sound like great ideas…or “Tell me more (you twat) Thursdays?…
Love the Beyoncé workout video – no kidding, those lunges and deep squats are seriously killer 🙂
Sunbutter granola bars sound Fab! You are the official “no-bake granola bar” King!
Hope your weekend is wonderful Arman!
You hit the nail on the head, Shashi- those two are ones I’m really liking…Although anything with TWAT in it is a Winner in my book 😉
Seriously its my new go to HIIT workout…
Hope your weekend is going great Shashi 🙂
Self Centred Sundays!
I always call my Sundays my ‘self centred’ days. They are the day I never work and always use to prep, plan and set myself up for the week ahead and indulge in some well earnt ‘me time’.
Thanks for the suggestion Ally- I love the notion behind it!
Oh my God. That Beyonce dancer! His hair!! And that old carpet?! Fatasticly hilarious!!
As for the link up, I think Thursdays or Sundays would be good. And…..how about
ME – Selfish Sunday; Look at ME; let’s talk about ME….
It’s my day off, my brain is empty!! 🙂 happy Weekend bello!!
bahaha i like Lucie’s idea! but i want to win the vegemite.. just sayin
Hahahaha. Hope the jar is being put to good use…off season and all 😉
…oh dear my hair (without product) looks exactly like that hahaha! Can we have a dance off on Persian carpets?
Most people are keen for Thursdays so I think I’ll put it in the works! Hope your having a BLAST of a weekend my friend. STAY AWAY FROM THE FOOD PROCESSOR.
That song: obsessed. Thank you. Oh and: Shamelessly Selfish Sharing…how’s that for alliteration? 😉
Anytime, my friend. If you have the chance to, listen to his first song ‘Brother’- its amazing!
Love the alliteration- Its one of my favourites!
Oh gosh, those MSN memes just took me back 5 – 10 years lol, they were all so true at the time! And so help you if somebody didn’t reply for a while and changed their status to ‘Away’ … Yikes! 😛 I think my name used to change like the weather, full of emoticons and whatnot. Oh the shame of it all now.
Matt Corby’s EP is so awesome, I’d recommend it to anybody! 🙂 It’s got a really chilled summer-ish vibe to it, perfect for lazy days where road trips to the beach are mandatory.
Clever alliterative names escape me. I’ll just be happy to link up ;P
Hi!
I’m a long time reader, also an Aussie, living in Canada.
In terms of the alliteration link up, I had a few ideas:
1) More about me Mondays
2) Talk and Tidbits Tuesdays
3) Truthfully Me Tuesdays
Thanks so much for the input Amy- but more importantly thank YOU for being a reader! Hope your enjoying Canada!
Truthful Me or Talk and Tidbits sounds great!
So much shame..so much TIME wasted on it!
Thanks for wanting to link up- I’ll hopefully have details set in stone by next week! PS How funny everyone from Australian Idol who came 2nd place have outdone ALL the winners.
I reckon Thursday or a Saturday for a link up as there tend to be none that I know of on those days…or even Sunday. Friday I know of quite a few. As for names…hmmm I’ve got Friday brain and I’m drawing a blank!
That dance video is hilarious! It reminds me of back in the day when I was 19 I used to work in call centres and 99% of the guys that worked there were gay so I used to go out to clubs with them and there would always be drag queens performing and their dancing and lip synching was sometimes terrible but a lot of times it was as good as that video…ah memories!
Yum to that granola bar recipe, I’m yet to try brown rice syrup but need to change that!
Thanks for the input Jan- I’m thinking Thursday or Sunday!
Hahaha that sounds awesome- seriously that guy…next time I want a quick cardio workout I’m going to attempt to mimic his moves! Definitely get onto the brown rice syrup…I got it because it was cheaper than honey lol!
The granola bars look good! I will have to try and make some, maybe without oats? Hmm…
Thanks! Maybe another flake type cereal might work?
I’m going to try quinoa flakes and maybe hemp seeds for the oat bran. Thoughts? I’ll let you know how it works.
Fantastic, thanks Melissa!
It worked and they’re amazing- tastes like the inside of a peanut butter cup. Here’s my substitutes: flax meal for oat bran, quinoa flakes for oats, added a scoop of vegan protein powder because the quinoa is not as absorbing as oats, and cut the honey in half. So amazing. Thank you
Sassy Self Saturday–its a time to brag about your wonderful self leave nothing out!
Thanks for the suggestion! 🙂
My brain is way too fried to think. Self expression or important Sunday can be my pick lol.
Great recipe Arman- love your recipes always. I am also a fan of kangaroo like you- such an underrated meat.
This weekend I am cramming and then sleeping and then I think I will schedule in a cry to relieve the stress from all of the cramming
🙂 but then by this time next week all the study will be over. then the anxious wait for results start- fun.
I love that guy dancing!
Kangaroo IS such an underestimated meat isn’t it- their sausages are amazing!
Good luck on your exams!
Selfie and selfish Sunday? You could post a selfie each week too :). I’m an Aussie reader and I just live your blog Arman.
This weekend I am going to the beach- cannot.wait. 🙂
Simone had some great ideas too- I like the self expression Sunday Saturday alliteration particularly 😉
That means so much- thanks for your kind words!
I’m jealous of your beach antics!
I like Simones idea’s mostly because I can’t think of any. Self important Saturday Sunday sounds good. Self expression Sunday Saturday sounds awesome too 🙂
It’s a cool idea. And I love these bars- yum! Keep procrastinating lol it’s good for our taste buds (who is being self important now lol)
Haha, Thanks Emma- At least its only my grades that will suffer! Thanks for your input!