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Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars

Liz DellaCroce Avatar

LIZ DELLA CROCE

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A healthy alternative to store-bought granola bars, these chewy nut-free protein bars are perfect for snacking on-the-go! 

Nut Free Granola Bars

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

nut free chewy granola bars

Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars

4.38 stars average
A healthy alternative to store-bought granola bars, these chewy nut-free protein bars are perfect for snacking on-the-go! 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Serves8 bars
CourseDessert, Snack
Calories187

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line an 8×8 baking sheet with parchment paper for easy protein bar removal.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, protein powder, flax meal, flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. 
    2 cups oats, 1/3 cup protein powder, 1/4 cup flax seed meal, 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  3. 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. 
    1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup raisins
  4. Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking pan using a rubber spatula to press the mixture firmly into the pan in an even layer.
  5. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool completely before slicing into bars.

Nutrition

Serving: 1barCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 7gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 162mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 1.5mg

Liz’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.

Have you tried this?

Let us know how it was!

4.38 from 58 votes (46 ratings without comment)

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58 responses to “Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars”

  1. Peter Dennis Avatar
    Peter Dennis

    I always use quick oats for breakfasts. Is it OK to use those instead of old fashioned oats please?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes for sure!

  2. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    These look great. Can vegans replace the honey with date syrup or maple syrup? Thanks.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m not sure – i’ve never tried but report back!

  3. cade Avatar
    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!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I’m so glad you enjoyed them!

  4. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    What can I use in place of flax? My daughter is allergic to that as well.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You can just skip it or chia seeds!

  5. Lauren Avatar
    Lauren

    Hello! Can you substitute gluten free flour for regular flour? Thanks!

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes you can!

  6. Jean Avatar
    Jean

    can you use white unbleached flour instead of whole wheat flour

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes of course!

  7. TAF Avatar
    TAF

    You say they will keep longer if refrigerated. If travelling (i.e. no refrigeration) how long can I expect them to last?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      I would say up to 5 days!

  8. Rena Avatar
    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.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Yes absolutely!!

  9. Allison Avatar
    Allison

    If you add dark chocolate chips to recipe will they melt?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      That should be fine!

  10. Patt Avatar
    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?

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      You can’t swap it I’m afraid!