Love homemade granola bars? Try my healthy granola bars, protein granola bars, and keto granola bars. We’re major snackers in my family, so having granola bars on hand is a must. But not all granola bars are created equal. Sometimes, we need a nut-free alternative. That’s where this nut-free granola bar recipe comes in. These pack in tons of flavor in a fiber-packed snack.
Why I love this recipe
4 ingredients. For such an easy and delicious snack, you’ll love that it’s made with just four ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand already. Easily customizable. Not a fan of dried fruit? Swap it out for some seeds, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips. The options are limitless. Cheaper than store-bought. I’m blown away by how expensive granola bars are nowadays! This recipe is a fraction of the cost AND way healthier, in my opinion. Back to school friendly. With most schools adopting a nut-free environment, you can keep your kids satisfied between classes with these homemade granola bars.
Ingredients needed
Quick oats. Also known as “instant oats.” If you’d like these granola bars to be gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats. Sea salt. Just a pinch to bring out the sweet flavors. Sunbutter or tahini. For texture and to bind the other ingredients. Make sure whichever you use is smooth and drippy with no added sugar. Honey. Raw honey, but you can also use maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or golden syrup. If you use the latter two, your granola bars will be much darker. Dried fruit and chocolate chips. I used a mix of dried cranberries, blueberries, and raisins.
How to make nut free granola bars
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the sunflower butter and honey and microwave until smooth. Transfer the mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Fold in the dried fruit. Step 2- Shape and refrigerate. Transfer the mixture to the lined pan and press down until smooth on top. Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour to firm up. Step 3- Slice. Remove the pan from the fridge and slice into bars.
Arman’s recipe tips
Use a warm, sharp knife. To make cutting the bars easier, I like to run my knife under hot water, then dry it, slice it, and repeat it. Make chewier bars. If you like your bars on the chewy side, swap half of the instant oats for rolled oats or “old fashioned oats.” Use peanut butter instead. If you don’t have a nut allergy, you can use peanut butter or almond butter instead. Add mix-ins. Like vegan chocolate chips, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds. Enhance the flavor. Add a dash of cinnamon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to really make these bars pop.
Storage instructions
To store: Granola bars are best stored in the refrigerator, covered. They will keep well for up 2 weeks. To freeze: Place leftover bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More no bake snack recipes
No bake oatmeal bars Protein puppy chow Pumpkin protein balls Larabars Or any of these no bake snacks.
Originally published August 2021, updated and republished May 2024
