Nut-free Granola Bars

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

What you need:

• 1/3 cup sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup raw honey
• 1/4 cup Sunbutter*

*Sunbutter is a sunflower-based butter that taste similar to peanut butter. 

What you do:

1. Preheat oven at 350C. Line a small square pan with parchment paper and grease with some coconut oil.
2. Dry-roast the sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds in a large pan on low-medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir regularly and remove when lightly browned or lightly toasted.
3. Transfer to a large bowl and add the ground flaxseed, cranberries, and salt. Mix well. Add the honey and Sunbutter. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Transfer to your greased pan and press down using a flat spatula. Bake in 350C oven for 15 minutes. 
5. Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Use the parchment paper to lift out of the pan, then use a very sharp knife to cut into bars.
6. Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to eat.

Bon appétit!

Substitution tips (if nuts are permitted):

• Replace 1/4 cup of pumpkin seed + 1/4 cup of sunflower seed with 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
• Replace the cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dates.
• Replace the Sunbutter with almond butter.

References:

1. Robertson, R. (n.d.). 6 Super Healthy Seeds You Should Eat.  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-healthiest-seeds