Wholesome Nut-Free Granola Bars
Looking for a flavorful and allergen-friendly snack that's both satisfying and suitable for allergies? Look no further than these 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.
Servings: 12 bars
Equipment
- 1 Food processor or blender
- 1 9x9 baking pan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup seeds I used sesame seeds in mine, but you can also use pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, etc.
- ½ cup raisins or craisins
- 1 ¼ cup dates
- ½ cup honey
Instructions
- Start by softening your dates. I microwaved mine for about 30 seconds, but you can also soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes. If you do this, be sure to drain and pat them dry to ensure there isn't extra water in the bars.
- Pulse the honey and dates together until it forms a paste.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix really well. I generally use my hands for this to ensure the sticky date/honey mixture gets well incorporated.
- Line your pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture into the pan. I like to wash my hands and spray them with pan release or rub them with butter. This keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Chill in the fridge or freezer until it is set, then cut to the size you want.
- Store in an airtight container, preferably in the fridge.
Notes
This should be considered a basic recipe, you can easily modify it how you like!
If you want 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. These little powerhouses and a great texture, flavor, and added benefits.