Nut-Free Muesli Bars

Looking for a nutritious and delicious snack that’s safe for school lunchboxes? These homemade nut-free muesli bars are chewy, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy addition to your child’s lunchbox.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nut-Free: Ideal for schools with nut restrictions, ensuring safety for those with allergies.​steamandbake.com
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite dried fruits and seeds to suit your taste preferences.​boobtofood.com
• Healthy and Wholesome: Made with natural ingredients, free from preservatives and additives commonly found in store-bought bars.​steamandbake.com+1RecipeTin Eats+1
• Cost-Effective: More affordable than purchasing pre-packaged muesli bars.​steamandbake.com
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe approachable, even for novice bakers.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rolled oats​RecipeTin Eats+5Mads’ Cookhouse+5WithExtraVeg+5
• Desiccated coconut​
• Wheat germ​Mads’ Cookhouse+4Create Bake Make+4Our Nourishing Table+4
• Sultanas​boobtofood.com+5Bake Play Smile+5Create Bake Make+5
• Dried cranberries​
• Sunflower seeds​Our Nourishing Table+1Create Bake Make+1
• Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)​Our Nourishing Table+1RecipeTin Eats+1
• Sesame seeds​
• Chia seeds​Create Bake Make
• Unsalted butter​Create Bake Make+3steamandbake.com+3Bake Play Smile+3
• Rice malt syrup​Create Bake Make+1WithExtraVeg+1
• Brown sugar​Create Bake Make+4Mads’ Cookhouse+4Bake Play Smile+4
• Ground cinnamon​Mads’ Cookhouse

Directions

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 28cm x 18cm slice tin with baking paper, leaving some overhang to assist with removal later. ​WithExtraVeg+2Create Bake Make+2Bake Play Smile+2
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, desiccated coconut, wheat germ, sultanas, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pepitas, sesame seeds, and chia seeds. Stir well to ensure an even distribution. ​Create Bake Make
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a small saucepan, add the butter (cut into cubes), rice malt syrup, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Heat over medium-high heat until the butter melts and the mixture begins to bubble gently. Continue to cook for about 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture attains a deep brown color. ​Create Bake Make
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the hot butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly, ensuring that all the dry ingredients are well-coated with the wet mixture. ​
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared slice tin. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the tin. Ensuring the mixture is well-compacted is crucial for the bars to hold together properly. ​Create Bake Make
6. Set the Bars: Place the tin in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to set for at least 1 hour. ​Create Bake Make
7. Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the slab from the tin using the overhanging baking paper. Place on a cutting board and slice into 24 bars or squares, as preferred. ​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 24 bars.​
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes​steamandbake.com+4Bake Play Smile+4Create Bake Make+4
• Setting Time: 1 hour​
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes​Create Bake Make+1WithExtraVeg+1

Variations

• Dried Fruits: Substitute sultanas and cranberries with other dried fruits like chopped apricots, raisins, or dates for a different flavor profile. ​
• Seeds: Feel free to adjust the types and quantities of seeds used. For example, flaxseeds or hemp seeds can be added or used in place of other seeds.​
• Sweeteners: While rice malt syrup is used in this recipe, honey or maple syrup can be used as alternative sweeteners, keeping in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.​
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of indulgence, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the set bars before slicing. ​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the muesli bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. ​
• Freezing: These bars are freezer-friendly. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with baking paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about an hour or in the refrigerator overnight. ​Bake Play Smile

FAQs

How do I ensure my muesli bars hold together and don’t crumble?

Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking tin is crucial. Ensuring the wet ingredients adequately coat the dry mix and allowing sufficient setting time in the refrigerator also help maintain the bars’ structure. ​Create Bake Make+1WithExtraVeg+1

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats and using a gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat germ, you can make these bars gluten-free. ​Our Nourishing Table

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

To make the bars vegan-friendly,

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