Description
Delicious and healthy nut-free muesli bars that are perfect for school-safe snacks. Packed with toasted oats, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners, these bars offer a satisfying crunch and a sweetness boost without any nuts.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup puffed rice cereal
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices and Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Toast: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the rolled oats and puffed rice cereal evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn lightly golden, stirring once halfway through to ensure even toasting.
- Prepare Syrup Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and it reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for added flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats and puffed rice with the chopped dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and shredded coconut. Pour the hot syrup mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well until everything is thoroughly coated and evenly combined.
- Set Bars: Transfer the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan to create an even layer. Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours or place it in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
- Cut and Store: Once set, remove the slab from the pan and cut it into 16 bars. Store the bars in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 1 week at room temperature or up to 1 month if frozen.
Notes
- Confirm that seeds are allowed as nut substitutes in school environments if preparing for children.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars before cutting and allow to set.
- Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can be frozen for longer storage, up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake (with toasting)
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
