As it warms up we are out and about a lot more and I like to have snacks on hand that don't have an unpronounceable list of ingredients. My last granola bar attempt was a total disaster and I ended up with a sickly sweet mess. Now thanks to Ninja Naan I have a recipe that works! This recipe for a Crunchy Nut Free Granola Bar has few ingredients and is so quick to make. The coconut flavour is subtle- it basically adds a wholesome chewiness to an otherwise crunchy bar. If you want to amp it up then use coconut extract instead of the vanilla. I halved the original recipe to make them in a 9*9 ot a 8*8 pan. Not sure why I keep doing that since I have made it twice in the last week!
The ingredients are so simple and usually something I have in the pantry. If you want to switch out a portion of the oatmeal for wheat germ for an extra boost of fibre you absolutely can. A few chopped nuts would probably also be delicious, but I keep these nut free so the kids can take them to school as well. Other healthier twists are always welcome, but I can't say I have tried them. As always I'd love to hear about it if you do!
How to get the crunch in Crunchy Nut Free Granola Bars
For that crunch factor remember to properly pack down the granola before baking. This prevents the bars from disintegrating when cutting. Sometimes I place a piece of parchment over the bars and press down over it with the bottom of a jar or a can. If you get to the scoring stage (after they're baked) and still feel like they are a little crumbly then no worries. All you need to do is gently press down on these Crunchy Nut Free Granola bars and thanks to the magic of melty chocolate you are good to go.
This is the point where I am supposed to tell you how long these Crunchy Nut Free Granola Bars keep for and I honestly can't say much beyond two days. My small batches don't survive for much longer than that!
Crunchy Nut Free Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup quick oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup Rice Krispies cereal
- ¼ cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp shredded coconut
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Line a square pan with parchment paper or foil for easy clean up
- Combine the dry ingredients (the first six) in a bowl
- Measure melted coconut oil into a measuring cup and add the honey and vanilla to it
- Pour the wet mix into the dry, mixing thoroughly.
- Spread in the pan and press down firmly and evenly
- Bake for 15-16 minutes until the bars are a deep golden brown
- Take them out of the oven and use a knife to score them (gently cut) into bars while they're in the pan
- Let cool entirely - 30 to 40 minutes and then remove from the pan, cut the whole way through and store in an airtight container.
Want to make your kids day? Try these Oreo Rice Krispie Treats that they are going to LOVE!
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Caragh says
I have made this recipe twice now - what a hit! Adapted slightly to what I had on hand - canola oil instead of coconut (some kind of shortage at my local supermarkets) and extra Rice Bubble cereal. Crunchy, chewy, sticky - all of the things my kids love! Next time I might increase the salt ever so slightly, and try golden syrup instead of honey as I seem to have lots of that to use up. Thank you for sharing such a great, nut-free recipe!
Sarah Mir says
It MADE MY DAY to read this! This was such a lunch time favorite for my kids when they were little and nostalgia alone has kept this recipe on my increasingly Pakistani blog. You made it well worth it! love the idea of adding more salt!
Annette Mullin says
Do you think o could use butter instead of coconut oil?
Sarah Mir says
Hmmm tbh Annette I haven't tried, but in a cold environment it could work!
Anonymous says
Hi is there a substitute i could use for the rice crispies ?
sarahjmir says
That's a great question. Where do you live - I can tell you what's easily available that would work? Rice Krispies or similar rice cereals work best because of their texture
myninjanaan says
These look wonderful Sarah! So happy you enjoyed them 🙂
sarahjmir says
Thanks Henna!
illcookyouwash says
This looks great. I've sworn off buying granola bars and have been making my own for about a year. I've tried all sorts of combinations and haven't come across a bad one as yet, and I feel great that I know exactly what is in it. I want to try this soon and am thinking about a big granola bar post with a roundup of all my favourites around the web. I have a feeling this one may make the cut 🙂
sarahjmir says
Ooh how exciting, look forward to that post (even if I don't make the cut hehe).
vaish says
they look super gorg and perfect!
sarahjmir says
thank you thank you 🙂
Asiya @ Chocolate and Chillies says
I've been wanting to try this recipe from Henna's blog but just haven't gotten around to it. I've got all the ingredients so I should make it soon!
sarahjmir says
Great, happy easiest baking ever!