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To make tasty nut-free granola bars, you need simple ingredients. Start with: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup puffed rice cereal - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds Rolled oats form the base of your bars. They add fiber and help bind everything. Puffed rice cereal adds a light crunch, making your bars fun to eat. Sunflower and pumpkin seeds bring protein and healthy fats without nuts. Next, you must choose your sweeteners and fats. Use: - 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted Honey or maple syrup adds the right sweetness. Coconut oil gives a lovely richness. Both help hold your bars together, making them chewy and satisfying. Finally, it’s time to boost the flavor. You’ll need: - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips Vanilla extract gives a warm, inviting taste. Ground cinnamon adds a hint of spice. Mini chocolate chips? They’re the fun part! Feel free to use dairy-free chips if you like. With these ingredients, you're ready to create your nut-free granola bars. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Chocolate Chip Nut-Free Granola Bars. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps in lifting the bars out later. 3. In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and ground cinnamon. Mix well. 1. In a smaller bowl, whisk together honey or maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Ensure it is smooth and well blended. 2. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir until all the dry ingredients are coated. 1. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. Ensure they are spread evenly without breaking them. 2. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press down firmly and evenly with a spatula or your hands. This compacts the mixture well. 3. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a fragrant smell. 4. After baking, remove it from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 5. Use the parchment paper to lift the slab out of the pan. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. 6. Once cool, cut into bars or squares using a sharp knife. Now you have a tasty and crunchy snack! For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. To get that perfect crunch, make sure to compact the mixture well. When you press the mix into the baking dish, use your hands or a spatula. This action helps the ingredients stick together. If the mixture is loose, your bars will crumble. Baking time is also key. For softer bars, check them around 20 minutes. If you want a crunchier texture, let them bake a bit longer, up to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges; they should be golden brown. You can mix things up with sweeteners and oils. If you prefer a different taste, try agave syrup instead of honey. For oil, you can use avocado oil or even apple sauce for a lighter option. When it comes to chocolate chips, swap them for dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. You can also use carob chips for a unique flavor that is still nut-free. Want to take your bars to the next level? Add extra seeds like chia or flaxseeds. They boost nutrition and give a nice crunch. Dried fruits like apricots or figs can add sweetness and chewiness. Spices can also enhance flavor. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for warmth. Experiment with cardamom for a hint of spice. Each addition can make your bars stand out. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Chocolate Chip Nut-Free Granola Bars recipe above. {{image_4}} You can make nut-free granola bars in many fun flavors. One great option is fruity granola bars. You can add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. These fruits give a sweet and chewy bite. Mix in about 1/2 cup of your favorite dried fruit to the base recipe. Another tasty choice is chocolate or cacao variations. You can use cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips. Just add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry mix. If you love chocolate, try adding 1 cup of chocolate chips. This will satisfy any chocolate cravings. If you want vegan nut-free granola bars, swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup is a great plant-based sweetener. Use the same amount as honey in the recipe. For those who need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free rolled oats. Many brands offer gluten-free oats that taste just as good. Always check the label to avoid cross-contamination. To make a healthier version, consider reducing sugar content. You can cut the sweetener by half without losing flavor. This change makes the bars less sweet but still tasty. Using whole grain options is another great way to boost health. Consider using whole grain oats or even quinoa flakes. Whole grains provide more fiber and nutrients, keeping you full longer. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Chocolate Chip Nut-Free Granola Bars. To keep your nut-free granola bars fresh, store them in airtight containers. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This helps to lock in moisture and prevent them from getting stale. I recommend using glass containers for the best results. They do not hold odors and keep your bars tasting great. If you want to freeze your granola bars, here’s how. First, cut your bars into individual pieces. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. This way, they will stay fresh for up to three months. When you are ready to eat one, remove it from the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Enjoy your tasty snack! At room temperature, granola bars can last about a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a strange smell or mold, toss them out. Your health is important, so always check before eating! Are granola bars healthy snacks? Yes, granola bars can be healthy snacks. They often contain oats, seeds, and natural sweeteners. These ingredients provide fiber and energy. However, check the labels for added sugars. Making your own bars, like the Crunchy Chocolate Chip Nut-Free Granola Bars, lets you control what goes in. How can I ensure my granola bars are truly nut-free? To keep your granola bars nut-free, check all labels on ingredients. Look for cross-contamination warnings. Use seeds instead of nuts. Always clean your workspace and utensils to avoid traces. This way, you can safely enjoy your snack without worries. Can I add protein powder to my granola bars? Yes, adding protein powder is an excellent idea. It boosts nutrition and keeps you full longer. Start with a small amount, about 1/4 cup. Mix it in with the dry ingredients for even distribution. This way, you get added protein without changing the texture too much. Why are my granola bars falling apart? Granola bars may fall apart if not compacted well. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. Also, ensure enough binding agents like honey or syrup. If they still crumble, try baking them a bit longer. This helps them hold together better. What are the calories in a nut-free granola bar? Each nut-free granola bar has about 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients. The oats and seeds provide energy. If you use more sweeteners, the calorie count can rise. Always check the specifics based on your recipe. How can I increase fiber content in my recipe? You can add more oats or seeds to boost fiber. Chia seeds or flaxseeds are great options. They blend well into the mix and add extra nutrients. Dried fruits like raisins or figs also add fiber. Experiment with these ingredients for a healthy twist. In this post, we explored nut-free granola bars, from key ingredients to storage tips. You learned how rolled oats and seeds form the base while sweeteners add taste. The guide covered baking steps and clever tips to ensure your bars stay crunchy. You can even try fun variations to suit different diets. Keep experimenting to find your favorite combinations, and enjoy your healthy snacks!

- Nut-Free Granola Bars

Craving a delicious and safe snack? Discover how to make crunchy and flavorful nut-free granola bars that everyone can enjoy! Packed with oats, seeds, and just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are perfect for school lunches or a quick treat. Follow our simple recipe and tips to customize them to your taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and start making your new favorite snack today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup puffed rice cereal

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (use dairy-free if preferred)

A pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for effortless removal once baked.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, puffed rice cereal, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed.

      In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt until well blended and smooth.

        Pour the wet mixture over your dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to stir until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated with the wet mixture.

          Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly dispersed throughout the mixture without breaking them.

            Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands, press down firmly and evenly to compact the mixture into the dish.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and fragrant.

                Once done baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Utilize the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Once the granola is cool, use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares as desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board while sprinkling extra chocolate chips and seeds on top for a visually appealing display. For a charming grab-and-go option, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie them with twine!