When you’re looking for a quick, healthy snack that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients, these homemade nut-free energy bars are the perfect solution. Whether you need a grab-and-go breakfast, something to toss in your bag for a hike, or a wholesome treat for your kids’ lunchboxes, these bars check all the boxes.
Made with puffed quinoa, seeds, dried fruits, and a touch of chocolate, they’re crunchy, naturally sweetened, and satisfyingly chewy. Plus, they’re completely customizable to fit your preferences.
Why make homemade nut-free energy bars?
Store-bought bars can be expensive and often contain unnecessary sugars and preservatives. By making them at home, you not only save money but also control the ingredients and nutritional content.
This recipe is packed with plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and fiber—all key to keeping you full and energized throughout the day. It’s also a fun and simple recipe to whip up in no time.
What makes these energy bars special?
- Nut-free and allergy-friendly: Safe for school lunchboxes and great for anyone with allergies.
- Naturally sweetened: Sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars skip the refined sugar while still tasting delicious.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste, like adding different dried fruits or seeds or even sweetening them with dates.
Nut-free energy bars recipe
Ingredients
- 1½ cups puffed quinoa (or puffed rice)
- ½ cup pepitas
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (without the shells, of course)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, unsweetened
- ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup sunflower butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your puffed quinoa, seeds, dried cranberries, and chocolate chips. The puffed quinoa gives the bars a light crunch, while the seeds, cranberries, and chocolate add texture and flavor.
- Melt the wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, gently warm your honey (or maple syrup) and sunflower butter over low heat until smooth and combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for flavor balance.
- Combine everything: Pour the warm honey-sunflower butter mixture over your dry ingredients and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Press into a pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure it’s packed tightly as this helps the bars hold together.
- Chill and cut: Refrigerate the bars for about 1-2 hours, or until they’re firm. Once they’ve set, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and slice your bars into even pieces.
- Enjoy! Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week—though we doubt they’ll last that long!
Tips for customizing your energy bars
One of the best things about these bars is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
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- Swap the seeds: Don’t like pumpkin or sunflower seeds? Try chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flaxseeds for an extra boost of omega-3s.
- Change up the dried fruits: Dried cherries, apricots, or raisins work great too! Just make sure the fruits you choose are unsweetened to keep the bars naturally low in sugar.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon: For a little warmth and spice, mix in a pinch of cinnamon with the dry ingredients.
- Make them nutty: Want to make your bars nut-full instead of nut-free? Replace the sunflower butter with almond or hazelnut butter.
You’ll love these bars
These nut-free energy bars are perfect for busy lifestyles, and they’re a much healthier alternative to sugary snacks. Whether you’re fueling a workout, handling a midday slump, or packing a treat for your kids, these bars deliver wholesome energy with every bite. The combination of puffed quinoa, seeds, and dried fruits means you get a satisfying crunch, a little sweetness, and lots of nutrition—all without refined sugars or preservatives.
