Nut-Free Granola Bars

Nowadays, most good-for-you snacks contain allergens like peanuts, almonds or cashews. So, if you have dietary restrictions, finding something delicious to munch on can be difficult when you’re in a pinch. These homemade nut-free granola bars tackle that problem. They’re packed with warm cinnamon flavors and sweetened with brown sugar and honey. The oats and flaxseed mixed into them—filled with fiber and protein— will keep you full in between meals and power you through the longest of days. Give them a try! Make a big batch then store them to dig into throughout the week. The nice part? They take under 30 minutes to bake. 

Nut-Free Granola Bars Ingredients

• Butter: We use softened butter in this granola bar recipe to infuse salty and comforting tastes. 
• Brown sugar: The brown sugar provides caramelized notes in these nut-free granola bars.
• Egg: The egg in this recipe helps bind the ingredients together to form these granola bars.
• Flaxseed: Flaxseed delivers fiber and protein to keep you full after eating one of these granola bars.
• Honey: We rely on honey to help sweeten these nut-free granola bars.
• Oats: The oats are responsible for these granola bars hearty texture.
• All-purpose flour: The all-purpose flour helps these nut-free granola bars have a chewy texture.
• Cinnamon: We use cinnamon to infuse warm flavors in these nut-free granola bars.
• Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the nut-free granola bars slightly rise while baking.
• Raisins: We mix raisins into the granola bar dough to infuse chewy and sweet bites, . 

Directions

Step 1: Combine the wet ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until crumbly—about two minutes. Next, add the egg and beat well. Stir in the flaxseed and honey. 

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients

Combine the oats, flour, cinnamon and baking soda in a small bowl. Stir these dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until blended. Lastly, gently stir in the raisins.

Step 3: Bake the granola mixture and cut it into bars

Press the granola mixture into an 11×7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes or until the bars are set and the edges turn light brown. Cool on a wire rack. Then, cut the baked granola into bars.

Nut-Free Granola Bars Recipe Variations

• Mix in chocolate: Gently stir milk, white or dark chocolate chips into the granola mixture for rich and sweet notes.
• Make a s’mores version: Add chopped graham crackers, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips into the granola mixture for a take on s’mores.
• Add dried fruit: Roughly chop some dried mango, apricot or cranberries and stir them into the granola mixture for sweet and chewy bites.

How to Store Nut-Free Granola Bars

Once you’ve prepared a batch of these nut-free granola bars, store them in an airtight container or resealable food storage bag for two to three weeks at room temperature.

Can you make these nut-free granola bars ahead of time?

These nut-free granola bars are ideal for meal prep. Make a big batch ahead of time and store them at room temperature for two to three weeks. You can freeze them for eight to 12 months and thaw them out when ready to eat them. 

Can you freeze these nut-free granola bars?

If you accidentally baked too many nut-free granola bars, store them in the freezer. Put them in an airtight container or a freezer-friendly bag. They can last for up to 8 to 12 months in the freezer.

How long do these nut-free granola bars last?

You can store these nut-free granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for two to three weeks or freeze them for 8 to 12 months.

Nut-Free Granola Bar Recipe Tips

Can I make these nut-free granola bars vegan?

If you prefer plant-based snacks, you can make a few switches in this recipe to accommodate your dietary needs. Swap the butter for a vegan one and the honey for agave or maple syrup.

Can I make a gluten-free version of these nut-free granola bars?

To make these granola bars gluten-free, tweak the recipe by mixing in gluten-free flour. The final result may taste different from the original but will still come out delicious.

How do I know when the nut-free granola bars are finished baking?

You’ll know the nut-free granola bars finished baking when the edges turn golden brown.