Nut Free Granola Bars
User Reviews
4.4
Nut Free Granola Bars
Description
These Nut Free Granola Bars rely on quick oats, unsweetened toasted coconut, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) as the base, sweetened with honey, coconut oil, and brown sugar. The topping of raisins or dried cranberries brings some natural sweetness and chewiness, while mini chocolate chips introduce a touch of chocolate flavor.
To prepare, the coconut is toasted lightly to deepen its flavor before mixing with dry ingredients. The honey and coconut oil are warmed and combined with vanilla to bind the ingredients, then the mixture is pressed into a lined pan and chilled to set. The final bars have a chewy but firm texture without any nuts, making them a good choice for those with nut allergies or who want a nut-free snack.
These granola bars store well when refrigerated in an airtight container and can be separated by parchment to prevent sticking. They make a convenient snack for anyone needing portable energy without nuts.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 2 1/3 cups quick oats
- 1/3 cup Pepitas
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt sea salt
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1/2 cup raisin or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips plus 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place the coconut in a small skillet and cook over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until light brown and toasted. Watch it closely so it doesn't burn.
- In a large bowl, combine the coconut, oats, pepitas, cinnamon, and sea salt.
- In a small skillet, combine the honey, coconut oil, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until the coconut oil is melted, and the mixture starts to bubble. Remove from the heat and stiir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture is moistened. Let sit for about 5 minutes. Stir in the raisins or dried cranberries and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the mixture into the pan. Firmly press the mixture into the pan with your clean hands. You can dampen your fingertips or lightly spray them with cooking spray, so it isn’t too sticky. You really want to press the mixture firmly, so the bars stay together.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the top of the bars and gently press them into the top of the bars.
- Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When the bars are completely chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into bars or squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Store granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days to maintain freshness.
- If stacking bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 202 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 202kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 104mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 148mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 9IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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