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Healthy Nut-Free Pumpkin Seed Granola Bars

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These healthy nut-free pumpkin seed granola bars offer a perfect balance of crunchy pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and honey sweetness, making them a wholesome and allergy-friendly snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (180g) rolled oats
  • 1 cup (120g) pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • ½ cup (60g) sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup (30g) ground flaxseed
  • ⅓ cup (113g) honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • ½ cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp (20g) chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Toast the pumpkin and sunflower seeds by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, salt, and optional chia seeds. Stir well.
  4. In a smaller bowl, whisk together honey, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the cooled toasted seeds and stir until fully combined and sticky.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or wet hands, compacting well especially around the edges.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and center feels set but soft.
  8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack for at least one hour to firm up.
  9. Lift the granola slab out using the parchment paper overhang and slice into bars or squares with a sharp knife.
  10. If bars crumble when cutting, chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Toast pumpkin and sunflower seeds separately to enhance flavor and crunch. Press mixture firmly into pan to prevent crumbling. Cool bars completely before slicing. Chilling bars before cutting helps them hold shape better. Use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free version. Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown rice syrup for vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: nut-free, pumpkin seed, granola bars, healthy snack, allergy-friendly, homemade, easy recipe, no nuts, pumpkin spice

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/healthy-nut-free-pumpkin-seed-granola-bars-easy-homemade-snack-recipe/