Nut-Free Granola Bars Honey Oats (Print)

Oats, honey, seeds, and fruit combine for chewy, nut-free granola bars to enjoy anywhere.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
03 - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
04 - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
05 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins, roughly chopped
06 - 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1/2 cup honey
10 - 1/4 cup sunflower seed butter or tahini
11 - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend oats, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries or raisins, chocolate chips (if using), sea salt, and cinnamon until uniformly mixed.
03 - In a small saucepan, gently heat honey, sunflower seed butter or tahini, melted coconut oil, and vanilla; stir constantly until mixture is smooth and warmed through.
04 - Pour warm wet mixture into dry ingredients. Stir with spatula until all components are thoroughly coated.
05 - Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan and press firmly with the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to compact evenly.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until granola bars are golden brown around the edges.
07 - Place pan on wire rack and allow bars to cool completely. Lift granola bars from pan using parchment overhang and slice into 12 equal portions.
08 - Store granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate to extend freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste incredible without a single nut, perfect for sharing anywhere allergies might surprise you.
  • Flexible enough to handle your favorite dried fruits or chocolate chips, so you never get bored.
02 -
  • If you don’t press the mixture firmly enough in the pan, the bars will fall apart—trust me, I learned this after a batch scattered like confetti.
  • Tasting the wet mixture before adding it can catch any too-salty or too-sweet moments before it’s too late.
03 -
  • Lightly toast your oats and seeds before mixing for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Pressing the mixture firmly is the magic move for chewy bars that don’t crumble apart.
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