Sugar-Free Chewy Muesli Bars at Home: The Easy Lunchbox Snack

Sugar-Free Chewy Muesli Bars at Home: The Easy Lunchbox Snack

If you’re looking for a wholesome, sugar-free muesli bar recipe you can make at home, this one’s a winner. It’s naturally sweetened with dates and just a touch of honey, packed with fibre, and super versatile—perfect for toddlers’ lunchboxes or an afternoon pick-me-up for parents.

These bars are chewy, nutty, and satisfying, but without the refined sugars found in store-bought versions. Even better, they’re made with pantry staples and a few clever swaps (like using leftover rice cakes) to make them budget-friendly and eco-conscious.


Why You’ll Love These Sugar-Free Muesli Bars

  • No refined sugar – naturally sweetened with dates and sultanas.

  • Kid-friendly – soft and chewy, easy for little ones to enjoy.

  • Customisable – use whatever nuts, seeds, or dried fruit you have.

  • Quick & freezer-friendly – batch prep for weeks of snacks.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup leftover rice cakes, crushed (or extra oats if preferred)

  • ½ cup rolled oats

  • 1 cup dates, soaked in boiled water for 10 minutes then drained

  • ½ cup peanut butter

  • ½ cup honey

  • ¼ cup sultanas (blend half with the dates, stir the rest through)

  • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut

  • Handful of mixed seeds and/or chopped nuts

  • Optional: handful of dried cranberries


Method

  1. Prep the dates: Soak in boiled water for 10 minutes, then drain well. Add to a food processor with ½ the sultanas, coconut, and peanut butter. Blend into a sticky paste.

  2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine crushed rice cakes, oats, seeds, nuts, and remaining dried fruit.

  3. Sweeten & bind: Warm honey slightly (microwave or stovetop), then stir into the date mixture until smooth.

  4. Combine everything: Pour the sticky mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon until well coated.

  5. Press & chill: Transfer to a lined baking dish, press down firmly, and refrigerate for 2+ hours until set.

  6. Slice & store: Cut into bars. Keep in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for 2 months.


Tips & Variations

  • Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.

  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cacao powder for flavour.

  • Dip half the bar in melted dark chocolate for a treat.

  • Make nut-free for school by swapping seeds for nuts.


Final Note

Homemade sugar-free muesli bars are a snack win for the whole family. They’re simple, filling, and toddler-approved—plus a great way to use up leftover pantry staples.

💌 Want more kid-friendly recipes and snack hacks? Comment RECIPE PLEASE on our Instagram or TikTok, or DM us MUESLI BARS and we’ll send you the full recipe straight away!


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