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.
Do these require refrigeration?
No. But they will keep longer if you do.
Can these be made as low sugar as well?
Leaving out the chocolate chips and raisins will keep the sugar down.
No forks required.
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.
How long do they keep without refrigeration? And how long do they keep with refrigeration? Thanks.
At room temp, they’ll last about a week. In the fridge they’ll keep much longer.
Hello, Thank you for posting this recipe. My son has several allergies besides the nuts and the peanuts and needs more protein. This recipe seems a very good alternative but trying to replace the raisons and the Honey as well due to his health challenges. Would you have any other suggestion for these 2 ingredients instead of sugar? What about blue berries?
Thank you very much
You can replace the honey with light karo syrup, and the raisins with any sort of dried fruit that he can have! Craisins could be good, or you could try blueberries for sure!
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!
Yes they would definitely freeze well!
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?
Hmm that didn’t happen with mine. Perhaps try a little olive oil or extra honey?
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
Maybe try gluten free 1:1 flour?