Kid-Tested, Nut-Free Granola Bars

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Easy granola bars that do not get sticky or fall apart when packed in a lunchbox. Lots of nutrition has been snuck into a bar that is as appealing to kids as to their health-conscious caregivers. I like to store most of them in the freezer and just pull out a few at a time to thaw.

Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
31 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 16 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
16 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats

  • 1 cup spelt flour

  • ½ cup wheat germ

  • ¼ cup brown sugar (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds

  • 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup applesauce

  • ½ cup honey

  • 1 banana

  • 1 egg

  • ¼ cup chopped dates

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

  2. Combine oats, spelt flour, wheat germ, brown sugar, chia seeds, ground flax seeds, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.

  3. Combine applesauce, honey, banana, egg, and dates in a blender; blend until very smooth. Pour over the oat mixture and mix well.

  4. Scoop granola mixture into the pan. Press down firmly with wet hands to spread evenly in the pan.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until very lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Cut into bars. Cool completely before lifting from the pan, about 30 minutes.

Cook's Notes:

If you do not have parchment paper on hand, grease the pan very well before adding the granola.

I used spelt flour because I like the mild taste and added nutrition, but nearly any flour would likely work, including wheat. For a gluten-free option, amaranth, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and gluten-free oat flours would all work well.

Things you can add in step 3 include sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, dried blueberries, or crystallized ginger. My kids' favorite combination is mini chocolate chips and coconut flakes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

157 Calories
2g Fat
32g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 157
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 81mg 4%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 148mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.