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Easy Chewy Nut Free Granola Bars

easy chewy nut free granola bars - featured image

These chewy, nut-free granola bars are made with simple pantry staples and are perfect for allergy-sensitive snackers. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and wholesome flavors with a satisfying chewy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (180g)
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter (125g)
  • 1/3 cup honey (113g)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (50g)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (60ml)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (75g)
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (35g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  2. Toast the oats and sunflower seeds (optional but recommended): Spread oats and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden and aromatic.
  3. Warm the sunflower seed butter and honey in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds until pourable. Stir until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the warmed sunflower seed butter and honey, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  5. Add toasted oats, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and dried fruit to the wet mixture. Gently fold until all dry ingredients are evenly coated and the batter is thick but spreadable.
  6. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula or lightly dampened hands.
  7. Bake for 15–18 minutes until edges turn golden but the center remains slightly soft.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out and cut into 12 bars with a sharp knife.

Notes

Toasting oats and sunflower seeds adds depth and better texture but can be skipped if short on time. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to help bars hold together. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness. Cool bars completely before cutting to maintain chewiness. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure applesauce and dried fruits are vegan-friendly.

Nutrition

Keywords: nut free granola bars, chewy granola bars, homemade granola bars, allergy friendly snacks, nut free snacks, gluten free granola bars