Kid-Tested, Nut-Free Granola Bars

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.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 157 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup wheat germ
• 1 cup applesauce
• 1 banana
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• 1 cup spelt flour
• ¼ cup chopped dates
• ¼ cup brown sugar (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 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.