Whether you’re looking for something quick to grab and go in the morning or if reaching for an after-school snack, check out these nut-free granola bars. They get us through that need for something sweet while keeping things somewhat healthy. The hard part, for me anyway, is just eating one – they are so good!
Why Nut-Free?
While nuts are certainly a healthy snack choice, it’s not an option for us, thanks to nut allergies. That said, none of us feel that we are missing out, thanks to the flexibility of this recipe. That’s what makes these granola bars so great — you can add in whatever you like to tailor the recipe to your needs and to what your kids like to eat.
What can you add in? Basically, anything you like — sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, raisins, craisins, chocolate chips, different cereals…the choices are almost endless really! I like to use up any extra cereals I may have for this recipe.
Ingredient Line-Up
Rolled Oats – oats is the base of the granola bar, making it a nice morning snack.
Butter – you’ll use melted butter to coat the oats.
Brown Sugar – using brown sugar over granulated sugar gives the granola bar a richer flavor, thanks to the molasses.
Liquid Sweeteners – while I prefer a mix of both honey and maple syrup, if you’re looking for a healthier choice, use only pure maple syrup and omit the honey.
Salt – helps to enhance the flavors.
Vanilla – while I prefer pure vanilla extract, imitation vanilla works as well.
Your Favorite Additions – since you are adding up to 2 cups of additions to the granola bar, the options are almost endless – from chocolate chips to dried fruit to even sprinkles – choose what you like best.
Tools Needed
Baking Pan (13×9) – I like a baking pan that has defined square corners.
Parchment Paper – lining the baking pan with parchment paper has two benefits here: easier removal of the bars and easier cleanup. While I prefer using pre-cut parchment paper, it may be easier to store a roll of parchment paper.
Large Bowl – I use microwave-safe mixing bowls for melting ingredients and stainless steel bowls for measuring ingredients.
Measuring Cups – use dry measuring cups for the oats and your add-ins and a liquid measuring cup for the wet ingredients, like honey and/or maple syrup.
Measuring Spoons – use measuring spoons for those smaller measurements, like salt and vanilla.
Spatula – use a spatula to mix all ingredients together.
Cooling Rack – let your pan cool down on a wire cooling rack.
Cutting Board – protect your counter by using a cutting board to cut bars.
Knives – carefully cut bars with a large knife. If kids are cutting the bars, check out these kid-safe nylon knives.
Nut-Free Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 4 cups quick rolled oats
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (or 1/4 cup of each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips*
- 1/2 cup raisins or craisins*
- 1/2 cup cheerios*
- 1/2 cup rice krispies cereal*
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 13x9 baking pan with parchment paper for easy clean up; set aside.
- Place oats into a large bowl. Pour melted butter over the oats and mix well.
- Add all other remaining ingredients into the bowl and mix together.
- Pour mixture into your prepared baking pan and push down well.
- Bake at 350F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven to cool. Cut into bars when almost fully cooled.
- Wrap each bar in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Makes about 14-16 bars.
Notes
More Bar Recipes
Looking for other bar recipe ideas? Check out these Quick and Easy Maple & Oat Cereal Bars or these Yummy Apple Pie Bars. Have your own bar recipe you’d like to share? Share in the comments below.
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