Nut-Free Muesli Bars

On busy mornings, having a stash of go-to, kid-friendly lunchbox snacks to choose from makes packing school lunches so much easier!

Along with my chocolate chip muesli bars and salted caramel bliss balls, these nut-free muesli bars are one of those easy grab-and-go snacks that you will want to make over and over.

Aside from being totally delicious, they make a convenient handheld snack that can be made in batches and stored in the fridge or freezer for any time you need a snack in a hurry.

The are chewy, delicious and completely satisfying. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Why You're Going To Love This Recipe

• Affordable and delicious – making your own bars from scratch is WAY cheaper than buying individually packaged, store bought bars. You can make a whole tray for just a couple of dollars.
• Jam-packed with chewy dried fruits – they make the perfect snack for the whole family!
• Customise to suit – make your own flavour variations by mixing and matching your favourite fruits.
• Quick and easy – one bowl, a slice tin and 10 minutes of prep time is all that you need!
• Better than store bought – making your own muesli bars from scratch means you know EXACTLY what goes into them.
• Versatile – they are perfect for lunchboxes, a portable snack food, afternoon snacks or a mid-morning pick-me-up.
• Nut-free – safe to use in schools with a nut allergy policy.

What You Need

While it may look like a lot of ingredients, it's really only basic pantry staples required to make these delicious bars.

Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

• Butter – butter is used to provide moistness and also to bind the bars together. I recommend using plain, unsalted butter rather than margarine or butter substitutes for best results.
• Honey – provides sweetness and a warm flavour to the bars, as well as being a binding agent.
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon - only ¼ teaspoon but enough to give a warm, spiced flavour.
• Vanilla extract - vanilla essence or paste can also be used.
• Salt
• Rolled oats – use plain rolled oats rather than steel-cut or quick oats. Along with the flour, the oats make the bars lovely and soft, but still chewy.
• Desiccated coconut - this is finely grated and dried coconut.
• Flour - use plain flour, also known as all-purpose flour.
• Dried fruit – I generally use a mix of chopped apricots and sultanas in my bars, but you can add whatever dried fruit you have on hand. See Expert Tips.
• Puffed Rice - are types of puffed grain made from rice that are popular for breakfast or snack foods. It can be found in supermarkets and health food stores and can be swapped for Rice Bubbles, Rice Krispies or their equivalent, if preferred.

Step By Step Instructions

I just LOVE how easy it is to make these nut-free muesli bars.

Just 10 minute prep and a handful of simple pantry staples is all you need! The oven will do the rest.

Note: Please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for ingredient quantities and the full detailed method.

Step 1 - Make the Butter, Honey And Sugar Mix

Place the butter, honey and brown sugar into a microwave-safe bowl. Stirring every 30 seconds, heat on medium power until the mixture has just melted.

Add the cinnamon, vanilla and salt and mix well.

Step 2 - Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the rolled oats, desiccated coconut, plain flour, dried fruit and puffed rice. Mix all ingredients together well.

Step 3 - Press Into Tray

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tray and press down firmly and evenly.

Step 4 - Bake

Bake until the top of the slice is just golden. Allow to cool completely before cutting into slices. 

Expert Tips And FAQs