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For these nut-free granola bars, you will need: - 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, shelled - 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, shelled - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 cup dried fruits (like cranberries, apricots, or raisins) - Optional: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or carob chips - Rolled oats provide fiber for digestion. They help keep you full. - Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats. They support skin health. - Pumpkin seeds are good sources of magnesium and zinc. They boost your immune system. - Shredded coconut adds healthy fats and fiber. It offers a nice texture. - Honey or maple syrup serve as natural sweeteners. They provide energy without refined sugar. - Coconut oil is a healthy fat that can boost energy. It may help with weight control. - Vanilla extract adds flavor without adding calories. It enhances the overall taste. - Ground cinnamon has antioxidants. It may help regulate blood sugar levels. - Sea salt enhances flavor and balances taste. A little goes a long way. - Dried fruits add natural sweetness and vitamins. They contribute to overall health. - Chocolate or carob chips are optional, but they add a fun twist. They can make the bars more appealing. If you have allergies, here are some easy swaps: - Oats can be replaced with puffed rice for a lighter texture. - Sunflower seeds can be swapped for flaxseeds or chia seeds. - Pumpkin seeds can be substituted with sesame seeds. - Coconut can be left out or replaced with more oats for a different flavor. - Honey can be switched with agave nectar for a vegan option. - Coconut oil can be replaced with olive oil for a different taste. - Dried fruits can be substituted with fresh fruits as a topping. - Chocolate chips can be swapped with dried fruit or left out altogether. These swaps make it easy to customize the recipe. You can enjoy your nut-free granola bars without worry! Start by gathering all your ingredients. This includes rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, sea salt, dried fruits, and optional chocolate chips. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some paper to hang over the edges. This will help you lift the bars out later. 1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until these dry ingredients are well combined. 2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure this mixture is smooth. 3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together. Ensure all ingredients are coated well. 4. Incorporate Fruits and Optional Chips: Gently fold in the dried fruits. If you want, add in the chocolate chips or carob chips. Mix them evenly throughout the mixture. 5. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish. Press down firmly with your fingers or a spatula, creating an even layer. 6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake. 7. Cooling Phase: After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift the granola out onto a cutting board. Let the granola cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares. Store the bars in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. This keeps them ready for a quick and healthy snack later. Enjoy your nut-free granola bars! To get the best texture in your nut-free granola bars, follow these tips: - Use rolled oats. They give the best chewiness. - Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps the bars hold together. - Bake until golden brown. This ensures a crunchy edge and soft center. Here are some mistakes many make: - Not measuring ingredients accurately. This can change the texture. - Skipping the cooling time. Cutting too soon can make bars crumble. - Overbaking. This can lead to dry, hard bars. Always watch them closely. To keep your granola bars fresh: - Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft. - Keep them in the fridge for extra freshness. - Wrap each bar individually for easy grab-and-go snacks. - For longer storage, freeze them. They can last up to three months. Now, you can enjoy your homemade nut-free granola bars anytime! For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can add more flavor to your nut-free granola bars. Try spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also use sweeteners like agave syrup or brown sugar. Each choice changes the taste. For a chocolate kick, mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips. The options are endless! Need to adjust for diets? You can swap ingredients easily. If you want to avoid sugar, use mashed bananas or applesauce instead of honey. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats. You can also use seeds like chia or flax if you want to add more nutrition. Each swap can keep things fun! Seasonal fruits can make your granola bars special. In summer, add dried mango or strawberries. In fall, try dried apples or cranberries. You can also use spices like pumpkin pie spice during the holidays. Using seasonal ingredients gives your bars a fresh twist. It keeps your snacks exciting all year round! For a full recipe, check out the Nut-Free Granola Bars Delight . To keep your nut-free granola bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. This method keeps the bars chewy and flavorful. If you like them crunchy, leave the lid slightly open for a few hours. This helps to dry them out a bit. Freezing is a great way to keep granola bars for a longer time. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label the bag with the date. When you want to eat them, let the bars thaw at room temperature. They will taste fresh and delicious. Nut-free granola bars can last up to two weeks at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they may last up to a month. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or a change in color. If they feel too hard or dry, they are past their prime. Enjoy your homemade snack while it’s fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can easily make these granola bars vegan. To do this, swap honey for pure maple syrup. This simple change keeps the bars sweet and delicious. The other ingredients are already vegan-friendly. Using coconut oil, oats, and seeds makes this recipe perfect for plant-based eaters. Customizing flavors in your granola bars is fun and easy! Here are some ideas: - Add spices: Try using nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for warmth. - Change sweeteners: Use agave nectar or brown rice syrup for a twist. - Mix in extracts: Almond or coconut extract can enhance the taste. - Include different fruits: Swap cranberries for dried mango or figs. - Try different seeds: Chia or flaxseeds can add nutrition and crunch. Feel free to get creative! Adjusting flavors helps you make the bars your own. To check if your granola bars are baked perfectly, look for these signs: - Color: The edges should be a golden brown. - Smell: A warm, nutty aroma fills your kitchen when they are done. - Firmness: Press gently on the top. It should feel firm and set, not overly soft. When you see these signs, your bars are ready to cool and cut. Enjoy the process and the tasty results! This blog post covered key ingredients for nut-free granola bars and their benefits. I shared step-by-step baking instructions and tips for perfect texture. You also learned about ingredient swaps and how to store your bars. Remember, these bars can fit many diets and tastes. Try different flavors and enjoy! With this info, you can make tasty, healthy treats right at home.

- Nut-Free Granola Bars

Discover the joy of making delicious Nut-Free Granola Bars that are easy to prepare and perfect for any snack time! Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, sunflower seeds, and dried fruits, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Follow our step-by-step guide and enjoy homemade goodness that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and start creating your healthy snack today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup sunflower seeds, shelled

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds, shelled

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup honey or pure maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup dried fruits (suggestions: cranberries, apricots, or raisins)

Optional: 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or carob chips

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to help lift the bars out easily later.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed.

      Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture appears smooth and well combined.

        Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until every ingredient is evenly coated and combined.

          Incorporate Fruits and Optional Chips: Gently fold in the dried fruits and, if using, the chocolate chips or carob chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

            Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish. Using your fingers or the back of a spatula, press the mixture down firmly to create an even and compact layer.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.

                Cooling Phase: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. After cooling, grip the parchment overhang and lift the granola out onto a cutting board.

                  Cutting: Allow the granola to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, use a sharp knife to cut into bars or squares according to your desired size.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: For an attractive display, arrange the granola bars in a neat stack and tie them with natural twine for a charming rustic appearance. Alternatively, place them in a clear glass container for a beautiful gift presentation. These bars make for a delightful snack on their own or can be enjoyed alongside a cozy cup of your favorite tea!