Sunbutter Granola Bars

Say hello to your new favourite freezer snack! These nut-free Sunbutter Granola Bars are chewy, satisfying, and layered with rich dark chocolate. Perfect for school lunches, busy afternoons, or just keeping your snack drawer stocked with something you feel good about.

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Sunbutter Granola Bars

If you haven’t tried my granola bars yet, let this be your sign to make them today! I hate to say it, but summer is almost over, and with that, school is back in session. I am not a mom (to children anyway), but I know that many of you are, so I’m here to make your life easier with these new granola bars featuring all the bulk ingredients from Yupik. My mission is to get you guys buying more in bulk so that you aren’t constantly running out for supplies. Yupik literally has ALL your pantry needs in a one-stop shop. Plus, you can buy kilo bags of all your favourite nuts, seeds, oats, flours, and so much more.

These bars are filled with plant-based protein, iron and tons of fibre. They are made with honey and no weird ingredients you can’t pronounce. I store these in the freezer, and when the snack attack hits, I know I have something nutritious and delicious within arm’s reach. You can always cut your bars smaller than mine, especially if you’re feeding kiddos, but I like a bar, so I cut mine into 14 bars.

So, if you’re looking for a healthy, nut-free snack that actually tastes amazing? These Sunbutter Granola Bars are about to become your new favourite recipe. Packed with seeds, naturally sweetened, and layered with rich chocolate and flaky salt. They’re freezer-friendly, lunchbox-approved, and so satisfying!

Are Granola Bars Healthy?

Granola bars can be a great option when made with real, whole-food ingredients, like oats, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Unlike store-bought versions that are often packed with fillers, preservatives, and added sugars, these homemade granola bars are nutrient-dense and made with simple pantry staples. Thanks to the chia, flax, hemp, and psyllium husk, they’re loaded with fibre, healthy fats, and minerals.

Separate the ingredients into small bowls to make granola.
bag of organic psyllium husk powder next to a small bowl.
small bowl of hemp seeds and a bag in the background

Nut Free SunButter Granola Bars Ingredients

Here’s what makes this recipe both school-safe and totally satisfying:

  • Pumpkin Seeds & Sunflower Seeds: Rich in magnesium and protein with a pleasant crunch.
  • Unsweetened Coconut: Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
  • Chia, Flax, and Hemp Seeds: Superfoods for omega-3s, fibre, and plant-based protein.
  • Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Essential for any granola bar recipe; this is a hearty base that brings everything together.
  • Psyllium Husk Powder: Helps bind the bars and boosts fibre content.
  • Cinnamon & Salt: Enhances flavour and balances sweetness.
  • Sunflower seed butter: The star of the show. Nut-free, creamy, and rich in healthy fats. Check out my recipe to make your own sunflower seed butter here.
  • Honey: Naturally sticky and perfect for holding the bars together. You could try making this recipe with maple for a vegan version but I have not tested this.
  • Vanilla & Olive Oil: Rounds out the flavour and moisture.

Optional toppings like dark chocolate, extra sunbutter, and flaky salt take these from weekday snack to weekend treat really fast.

Bowl of rolled oats with a spoon and a bag in the background

How to Make These Seed Bars

Making your own healthy bars doesn’t have to be hard. Start by preheating to 320°F convection (or 300°F if your oven runs hot). Line your pan with parchment.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine all the oats, seeds, spices, and salt.

Melt and mix wet ingredients

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the sunbutter, honey, vanilla, and olive oil until smooth.

Combine and Bake

Pour the wet mixture over the dry and stir thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Bake until the bars are golden and dry to the touch.

A bowl with a spatula mixing a mix of seeds and ingredients to make granola bars

Add the topping

Let cool slightly before spreading on the chocolate-sunbutter mix. Freeze until set, sprinkle with flaky salt, then slice.

Freshly cut 14 chocolate granola bars with flaky salt on top.

How Should I Store Granola Bars

Once cut, keep your granola bars in an airtight container in the freezer. They last well over a month and don’t require thawing; just grab one and go! If storing at room temperature, keep them tightly sealed and eat within 5–7 days.

Close-up of chocolate-covered granola bar showing pumpkin seeds and chocolate flakes

Why Nut Free Granola Bars Are Great

Nut allergies are no joke, and having a go-to nut free granola bar means you can feel safe packing these for school lunches, work snacks, or sharing at gatherings. Plus, sunflower seed butter has a deliciously rich taste all its own, making it a worthy alternative to peanut or almond butter.

Granola Bar Tips

  • Press the mixture very firmly into your pan; this ensures the bars hold together.
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes removing and slicing the bars much easier.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing for the cleanest edges.
  • You can melt your topping in the microwave or use a double boiler; just don’t overheat it.

Most Common Seed Butters Questions

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey? Yes, but honey helps bind the bars better. If you use maple syrup, you may want to refrigerate it before slicing.

Can I make these without the chocolate topping? Absolutely. They’re delicious on their own too!

What other seed butters work in this recipe? Try tahini, pumpkin seed butter, or a mix of your favourites. Check out any of my nut and seed butters here.

Can I make these vegan? Yes, just swap honey for maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Decorative plate with stacked granola bars and seed packets in the background

Did you make this recipe?

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review below. Try these recipes next:

High Protein Cookie Dough Bark

Black Sesame Bark

Strawberry Shortcake Granola

TERI ANN CARTY

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Granola bars topped with a layer of dark chocolate and sea salt flakes.

Sunbutter Granola Bars

Say hello to your new favourite freezer snack! These nut-free Sunbutter Granola Bars are chewy, satisfying, and layered with rich dark chocolate. Perfect for school lunches, busy afternoons, or just keeping your snack drawer stocked with something you feel good about.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Servings: 16 bars
Author: Teri-Ann Carty
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment

  • 9x12 pan
  • oven, rubber spatula, large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Optional Topping

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup sunbutter
  • flaky salt to finish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 320 convection (if your oven runs hot like mine, drop the temperature to 300).
  • Place parchment down into the baking tray.
  • To a medium sized bowl and dry ingredients. Stir well to combine.
  • In a small pot add sunbutter, honey, vanilla and olive oil. Heat over low-medium heat stirring until fully combined.
  • Pour wet over dry. Use a rubber spatula to combine the mix FULLY until no dry bits remain.
  • Press EVENLY into the pan pressing the mixture very firmly corner to corner. The firmer you are now the better texture once they are baked.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and dry to the touch.
  • Let it cool for 15 minutes before adding the chocolate topping.
  • Melt chocolate in 30 second increments in the microwave (use a double boiler if you wish).
  • Add sunbutter and stir until combined.
  • Spread evenly onto bars using an offset spatula. Place the bars into the freezer to set for approximately 1 hour.
  • Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired before cutting into bars.
  • Place onto a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars.
  • Store in an airtight container in the freezer. Lasts well over a month but they won't last that long!

Notes

Use any nut or seed butter that you and your family love.
These could be made with maple syrup, but I find honey stickier, which is great to help keep the bars together.

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

8 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    these bars are amazing! The nut butter is equally as delicious. I eat the granola bars without anything topping on them. I use the nut butter throughout the week on apples, yogurt or what I have around the house. Nice job creating thos recipe. Your granola is next.

    1. Hey Cathy! Aren’t they unreal!? It was difficult to stop myself from eating them for three meals a day. I am so glad that you tried them. Thanks for sharing your experience with the nut butter as well!! Appreciate you taking the time

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