Wholesome Nut-Free Granola Bars

Looking for a delicious and nutritious snack that's both satisfying and allergy-friendly? Look no further than these wholesome nut-free granola bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are the perfect grab-and-go option for those with nut allergies or anyone looking for a hearty and tasty snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these chewy granola bars and have them ready to enjoy throughout the week.

These nut-free granola bars are not only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. You can choose from an array of ingredients such as oats, seeds, dried fruits, and even chocolate chips to create a bar that is uniquely yours. Plus, by making them at home, you have control over the quality of ingredients, ensuring that you're fueling your body with wholesome goodness. So, let's dive into the world of homemade granola bars and discover how easy it is to create a batch of these wholesome delights!

Not only are homemade nut-free granola bars a great snack option, but they also make a wholesome and convenient breakfast on the go.

Ingredients

These ingredients are easy to find and you might have most in your pantry already.

• Dates- I love using these as a natural sweetener and also as a binder in the granola bars. This also gives the bars a chewy texture. You can use whatever type of whole date you like- Medjool, etc. I prefer to buy mine pitted to save time.
• Honey- With the dates, these provide the perfect sweetness for the bars without being too sweet. If you want these to be vegan, you can swap honey out for maple syrup. 
• Old-fashioned oats- I prefer these to quick oats as they hold their shape better. If you have celiac or gluten intolerances, be sure to check and make sure you buy gluten-free oats. 
• Dried fruit- Generally I use dried cherries, raisins, craisins, or dried apricots, but you can use whatever you like!
• Seeds- I used a blend of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. 
• Unsweetened coconut- you can use flakes, but I like using shredded. 
• Mini chocolate chips- I love the dark chocolate ones, but you can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. 
• Vanilla extract- this is optional, but I love adding it to enhance the other flavors. 

How to make homemade granola bars

Line an 8x8 or 9x9 square baking dish with parchment paper. This isn't totally necessary, but it makes removing the granola bars so much easier. 

Soften the dates and chop. I added microwaved them for about 30 seconds to soften them. You can also soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes. If you do this, be sure to drain them really well and pat them dry to remove all the water. Pulse the dates and honey together in a food processor or blender until they are smooth. 

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the other ingredients. Pour the honey/date mixture over it and mix it well with a rubber spatula or spoon. 

Press into the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and place the pan in the fridge until the bars are set.

Once they are set, remove the parchment paper from the pan with the granola bar mixture. Cut into the size of bars you want.  

These should be stored in an airtight container. You can leave them at room temperature, but I prefer them chilled and in the fridge. 

Enjoy these snacks whenever you are ready!

Other add-in ideas

This should be considered a basic recipe, you can easily modify it how you like!

If you are wanting to add in a little more protein, mix in ½ cup of almond butter or sunflower butter (or sun butter). 

I love to sprinkle these with just a touch of sea salt. There is just something about that sweet and salty mix that always gets me!

There are so many dried fruits you can add to these bars that change the flavor and texture. Dried figs, mangoes, and currants are all good options that will change these up a bit. 

If you want to add in some spices, you could add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. 

Hemp seeds can also be added to the mix of seeds. They add great flavor and texture. 

What can I use instead of peanut butter in granola bars?

While peanut butter granola bars are delicious, this specific recipe is made with no peanut butter. Whether this is an allergy consideration or if you just don't like peanut butter, this is for you. 

The first thing is to make this exact recipe. It is designed without any peanut butter for a nut-free option. These also happen to be gluten-free granola bars as well. 

If you wanted seed butter in this recipe, as noted above, you can add almond butter, sun butter, tahini, or even cookie butter. You can add in ½ cup to this recipe without changing the texture or recipe much!

How to keep homemade granola bars from falling apart?

This recipe is designed for granola bars that will stick together. Adding both dates and honey keeps the granola bars sticky, which helps them stick together. 

Keeping them chilled also helps them to hold together. When they get too warm, I find they start to fall apart a bit. 

It is also really important to be sure the bars are packed into the pan tightly when you first add the granola mixture to the pan. I press it into the pan pretty hard. This helps the granola bars to stick together. 

How to serve these granola bars

Homemade nut-free granola bars are a versatile treat that makes for a perfect afternoon snack, especially during road trips or as a school snack in lunch boxes. Their delicious combination of flavors and satisfying texture provides a wonderful sweet treat that can be enjoyed on the go or during a quick break. 

These bars are an excellent choice for a convenient, and satisfying snack option throughout the day. Whether you need a quick energy boost, a tasty treat between meals, or a portable option for your lunch box, homemade nut-free granola bars have got you covered. With their whole food ingredients and perfect texture, these bars offer a great snacking experience that will keep you fueled and satisfied.

• Breakfast
• Snacks
• Oats