A healthy alternative to store-bought granola bars, these chewy nut-free protein bars are perfect for snacking on-the-go!
As a mom of two young boys I am here to confirm that the rumor is true: boys will, in fact, eat you out of house and home.
As easy as it would be to rely on store-bought granola bars, making them at home is not only more affordable but it allows me to control the quality of ingredients.
This year, both of my boys are in nut-free classrooms which presented another challenge: tweaking our usual granola bar recipe to be nut-free but also provide a hefty boost of protein.
The end result is these soft and chewy nut-free protein bars scented with warm cinnamon and plump raisins. For even more protein, I pair them with a Stonyfield yogurt pouch packed with calcium and Vitamin D.
Playfields mission for kids:
While there are so many decisions a mom has to make throughout the day, one decision I always feel good about is feeding my kids organic Stonyfield yogurt made without toxic persistent pesticides or GMO’s
If you are also passionate about avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals and pesticides, I urge you to read more about Stonyfield’s newest initiative: StonyFIELDS. I know I was surprised to learn that 21 million kids play on fields, most of which are sprayed with a mix of harmful chemicals. Yikes!
The mission is simple: make every field in America (you know, the fields our kids play on at soccer practice or during recess) organic by stopping the use of harmful pesticides on playing fields. Click here to learn more about how you can change your own community, nominate your community to get a donation, OR start by changing your back yard.
In the meantime, we have kids to feed, am I right? So get in the kitchen and whip up a batch of these soft and chewy nut-free protein bars to pair with your favorite Stonyfield yogurt. You’ll be so glad you did.
No. But they will keep longer if you do.
Leaving out the chocolate chips and raisins will keep the sugar down.
No forks required.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups oats old fashioned
- ⅓ cup protein powder
- ¼ cup flax seed meal
- ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour or white all-purpose
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup unsweetened apple sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ cup raisins or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 baking sheet with parchment paper for easy protein bar removal.
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, protein powder, flax meal, flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple sauce, honey and vanilla. Pour mixture over the oat mixture and stir well. Add raisins and stir again until mixture is evenly incorporated.
- Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking pan using a rubber spatula to press the mixture firmly into the pan in an even layer.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Chef’s Notes
If I want to use sugar instead of honey and applesauce, what would be the amount?
I would not swap those ingredients out on this recipe.Nutrition
Diana
Would these freeze well? It would be nice to make a big batch and just pull a few out as needed.
My husband is allergic to nuts and chocolate, and were both trying to get more protein in our lives. But I don’t want to make making more every couple days cause he can eat like 2 or 3 bars in one sitting!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes they would definitely freeze well!
Peter
Hi Liz,
I made this recipe and it tasted delicious, but unfortunately my bars crumbled very easily.
Can you suggest a way to make them bind better please?
Liz DellaCroce
Hmm that didn’t happen with mine. Perhaps try a little olive oil or extra honey?
Sophie Castles
Is there anything I can substitute the rolled oats and flour for to make it completely gluten-free? And are there any substitutes that are also really high in protein? Would quinoa work? Thanks
Liz DellaCroce
Maybe try gluten free 1:1 flour?
Peter Dennis
I always use quick oats for breakfasts. Is it OK to use those instead of old fashioned oats please?
Liz DellaCroce
Yes for sure!
Donna
These look great. Can vegans replace the honey with date syrup or maple syrup? Thanks.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m not sure – i’ve never tried but report back!
cade
I made these with chocolate flavored whey protein powder, quinoa flour instead of white flour (in case some of the folks I was giving them to were allergic to gluten), and chocolate and dried cranberries instead of raisins and they were very tasty! Not super sweet, but if you have a strong sweet tooth you could adjust them with more honey or by putting a drizzle of chocolate on the tops of them. (I’ll probably be drizzling them with chocolate because *tasty*!) Thanks so much for the recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Chris
What can I use in place of flax? My daughter is allergic to that as well.
Liz DellaCroce
You can just skip it or chia seeds!
Lauren
Hello! Can you substitute gluten free flour for regular flour? Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you can!
Jean
can you use white unbleached flour instead of whole wheat flour
Liz DellaCroce
Yes of course!
TAF
You say they will keep longer if refrigerated. If travelling (i.e. no refrigeration) how long can I expect them to last?
Liz DellaCroce
I would say up to 5 days!
Rena
I love the option for a nut free bar especially since I am allergic to peanuts and tree nuts but one question, have you found a protein powder that is processed in a nut free facility? That is a real struggle for me. I’d appreciate you sharing if you have.
Liz DellaCroce
Yes absolutely!!
Allison
If you add dark chocolate chips to recipe will they melt?
Liz DellaCroce
That should be fine!
Patt
If I want to use sugar instead of honey and applesauce, what would be the amount? Does it replace 1:1 or do I have to take into consideration the moisture factor?
Liz DellaCroce
You can’t swap it I’m afraid!
Anni
Going to try this! My husband is allergic to almost every nut and I’ve been looking for a home made bar.
Question, how well do these keep? Do you recommend refrigerating them?
Liz DellaCroce
They keep great! You don’t have to refrigerate but they will last longer if you do. Enjoy!
Brenda Score
What a beautiful way to snack. Our girls would love this!
Melanie
how can I cut down the sugar in these bars? too much sugar count for me
Liz DellaCroce
Don’t add in raisins or chocolate chips!
Liren | Kitchen Confidante
Homemade bars are so much better, and I love that these are nut free — it can be challenging to find ones to pack in school lunches these days.
Toni | Boulder Locavore
This looks perfect for snacking! I am sure my kids will love this!
Lindsay Cotter
Perfect for on the go snacking! Such a great healthy option for active kids!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
I ALWAYS need new protein bar recipes! Totally digging that these are nut free too!
Marjory
I’m always on the lookout for easy, high protein, portable snacks. Bonus that it’s nut-free for my daughter with allergies!!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad!!
Lauren Grier
These look fantastic! Stonyfield always has the best products!!
diane
We have so many friends who are allergic to nuts. These are perfect for them and there’s something for everyone!
Nikki Gladd
This is great! Last year both of my boys were in nut-free classrooms, too. This year we’re not, but our church sunday school classes are always nut-free. Keeping this for the books!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh good I’m so glad!! My kids are both in a nut free room!! So hard sometimes. xoxoxox