Grain-Free Granola Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These granola bars are incredibly versatile, making them a great option for anyone looking to stay energized throughout the day without the guilt. With ingredients like peanut butter, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, they’re loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and protein. The addition of chocolate chips and raisins or Craisins adds a touch of sweetness that makes these bars irresistible. Best of all, they’re grain-free and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey (or brown rice syrup)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups almonds (roughly chopped)
• 1 cup salted sunflower seeds
• 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup raisins (or Craisins)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the honey (or brown rice syrup) and peanut butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, and raisins (or Craisins).
4. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir well to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer.
6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the granola bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
7. Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate them for longer storage.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 bars, depending on the size of the squares you cut.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Baking time: 15-18 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to swap out the almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds for other nuts and seeds like cashews, walnuts, or chia seeds.
• Sweeteners: You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave syrup if you prefer.
• Add-ins: Add in other ingredients like dried coconut, chia seeds, or protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.
• Nut Butter: Try using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
• Dried Fruit: Swap the raisins for other dried fruits such as dried apricots, figs, or cranberries.

Storage/Reheating

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. These bars also freeze well; just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these granola bars without peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any nut butter of your choice.

Can I use another sweetener besides honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, brown rice syrup, or agave syrup in place of honey.

Are these granola bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, these granola bars are naturally gluten-free because they don’t contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. Just be sure to check that your seeds, nuts, and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.

Can I use other dried fruits in these granola bars?

Absolutely! You can swap the raisins for dried cranberries (Craisins), apricots, figs, or any dried fruit you enjoy.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or syrup used in the recipe. You can also leave out the chocolate chips for a less sweet version.

How do I store leftover granola bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, mini chocolate chips are a great addition to this recipe, but you can leave them out or substitute them with dark chocolate chunks or cacao nibs for a healthier option.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, you can substitute the nuts with additional seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds to make these bars nut-free.

Can I make these granola bars vegan?

Yes, these bars are already vegan-friendly when made with maple syrup or agave syrup and plant-based nut butters. Just ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

How thick should I press the mixture into the baking dish?

Press the granola mixture firmly into the dish to create an even layer, but there’s no need to press it down too hard. The bars should be about 1/2-inch thick when baked.

Conclusion

These Grain-Free Granola Bars are a delicious, nutritious, and customizable snack that’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy alternative to store-bought bars. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, these bars make a great breakfast, snack, or post-workout treat. Easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients, these granola bars will become a staple in your pantry! Enjoy them on the go or as a quick energy boost throughout your day.

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