Nut-Free Granola Bars

These simple, one-bowl, vegan Nut-Free Granola Bars are delightful, crumbly, and packed with nutrient ingredients. Crispy pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, chia seeds, and dark chocolate chips are added to increase their protein level. They are completely plant-based, gluten-free, and nutritious snacks suitable for school-going students. Fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, and various minerals and vitamins are all abundant in these bars because they contain pumpkin seeds, oats, chia seeds, and pumpkin seed butter. This dish is suitable for a variety of diets, including oil-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. You can prepare these tasty and crunchy vegan Nut-Free Granola Bars at home. Let’s start the recipe with the instructions (discussed below).
STATS:
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-free, Nut-free
- Total Time: Thirty-five minutes
- Preparation Time: Ten minutes
- Time for cooking: Twenty-five minutes
EQUIPMENT:
- One rubber spatula
- Oven
- 8 by 8 baking pan
- One large bowl
- A sharp knife
INGREDIENTS:
- Vegan Milk, such as oat or soy milk 3/4 cup
- Half a cup of pumpkin seed butter
- 3 cups of Rolled oats
- Maple syrup 1/2 cup
- One teaspoon of Vanilla essence
- Chia seeds 2 tbsp
- Dried cranberries 1/3 cup
- One-third cup of Chocolate Chips
- 1/3 cup of pumpkin or sunflower seeds
INGREDIENT NOTES:
Pumpkin seed butter:
- It is a crucial adhesive component that also provides additional protein and a variety of good fats.
Vegan Milk:
- It gives the rolled oats moisture, which helps the bars stay together when baked. I prefer using oat milk, but any type of vegan-friendly sand dairy-free milk options accompanies well with this recipe.
Maple syrup:
- In addition to binding the bars, it provides a more natural sweetener.
Pumpkin seeds:
- They provide a satisfying crunch and additional nutrients.
Oats:
- Use good-quality rolled oats for the best binding texture.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the shallow oven by raising its temperature to 350 degrees.
- Next, adjust the parchment paper on an 8 by 8 square-sized baking pan.
- Then, add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, pumpkin seed butter, and vegan milk to a large surface bowl.
- Mix carefully to dissolve any remaining particles of pumpkin seed butter.
- After that, mix other items such as chia seeds, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, rolled oats, and dried cranberries.
- The granola bar mixture is ready.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking pan.
- Flatten the batter with a rubber spatula or the bottom of an empty glass to create an even layer.
- Bake it for twenty-three to twenty-seven minutes.
- After baking, leave the tray in a fridge for sixty to eight minutes.
- With a knife, cut it into thick bar shapes.
- The crunchy and tasty Nut-Free Granola Bars are ready.
VARIATIONS:
Spice:
- I adore these vanilla-flavored bars, but you can add cardamom, allspice, crushed cinnamon, and pumpkin spice mix.
Dried fruits:
- A variety of dried fruits can be used, including apricots, blueberries, raisins, figs, and dried cherries. Cut the dried fruits into bite-sized pieces (if essential).
Seeds:
- You can replace the pumpkin seeds with hemp, chia, sunflower, or flax seeds. A combination of a few seeds is another option.
Oats:
- Use a combination of quick oats and rolled oats for a range of flavors.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
- Serve the crunchy granola bars with Berry Bliss overnight oats.
- Pair it with a pineapple smoothie bowl.
- Enjoy these bars with apple cinnamon chia seed pudding.
- Chocolate chia seed puddings also complement these bars.
- Spicy mango hummus and flavorful veggie sticks accompany well with the granola bars.
- Enjoy it with coconut lime energy balls.
TIPS:
- Always choose nut-free ingredients such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Use only vegan-friendly plant-based sweeteners such as date syrup, coconut sugar, or maple syrup to add sweetness.
- Opt for natural ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives.
- Choose dark chocolate chips with a maximum of 70% cocoa content.
- Try these bars with different combinations of seeds, dried fruit, and spices to create a distinctive taste.
STOARGE INFORMATION:
Fridge:
- Save the granola bars in a sealed box and refrigerate them for six to nine days to keep them fresh.
Freezer:
- The bars can also be frozen as well. Store the bars in a closed jar and freeze them for ninety to one-fifty days.
FAQs:
Can these bars be made without oats?
- Yes, you can prepare bars without oats. You can use substitute items like cornflakes, quinoa flakes, or rice flakes.
Can I opt for other butter options as a replacement for pumpkin seed butter?
- These bars can also be made with sunflower seed butter. But for additional crunch and a richer flavor, I prefer using pumpkin seeds.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:
Per Serving Size one bar
Total Amount 10 bars
Total Calories 276 kcal
Carbohydrates 41 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Protein 6 g
Sugar 18 g
Total Fat 10 g
Iron 2 mg
Sodium 12 mg