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These easy nut free homemade protein bars are a wholesome, on-the-go option. Chickpea protein bars combine chickpeas, oats and sunflower seeds in a high-protein, high-fiber protein bar! These are a great allergy free protein bar alternative for those allergic to tree nuts, gluten or dairy. Plus, no protein powder needed!

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No need to stress about the nuts in your protein bars anymore! These homemade nut free protein bars have never been easier…or more delicious!

I used to be intimidated about making my own vegan protein bars. But, I’ve perfected this recipe and even the most basic baker can make these.

I initially made these chickpea protein bars for my neighbor, who is vegan, nut-free and gluten-free. It’s challenging to have so many dietary restrictions, but as a Dietitian and Mom, I knew I could throw a a healthy nut free protein bar.

These tree nut free protein bars are so good ( a fun spin off of these vegan pumpkin blondies), you’ll want to make them over and over again.

Note that these bars are nut-free, but they are not seed-free. Seeds are not one of the top 8 allergens, so most people with a nut allergy can tolerate seeds, however, that’s not the same for everyone. If you’re unsure, check with your doctor or take an allergy test.

Why You’ll Love My Nut Free Protein Bars

• Allergy friendly and great for school lunches – Even if you don’t have a nut or tree nut allergy, these chickpea protein bars are delicious, safe and great for everyone. They are the perfect nut-free snack for schools and kids lunches and are free from the top 8 allergens, including soy, dairy, nuts, and eggs.
• Vegan and gluten free – These homemade vegan protein bars are vegan and gluten free, if using certified gluten free oats. Even if you’re not completely vegan, but need dairy-free protein bars, there are no milk products used. These are my favorite gluten-free homemade protein bars!
• Easy to store for later – Since they’re freezer-friendly, I love having this no nut protein bars recipe for easy back to school snacks, postpartum snacks and just for busy weekdays and life on the go with 3 kids! Truthfully, these tree nut free protein bars are actually one of my favorite snacks for breastfeeding hunger or to recommend as a healthy athlete snack, especially for my athletes with nut allergies.
• Protein bars without protein powder – I like to use protein powder strategically and when necessary. Like I’ll add it into a morning smoothie when I know I didn’t eat enough protein, or I need to get my 25 grams of protein at breakfast on the go. But, I don’t want protein powder in all of my baked goods. These protein bars without protein powder won’t have a chalky taste that you’ll find with protein powder bars.
• Budget-Friendly – Best of all, you’d likely spend over $2.00 a bar if you buy a store-bought vegan protein bar. On the other hand, these chickpea protein bars come out at less than $0.75 a bar, plus they use easy-to-pronounce pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. I load up our pantry every few months with my Thrive Market favorites. Using canned chickpeas are a key for budget friendy recipes.

Ingredients

Here are the simple pantry ingredients we’re using.

• chickpeas – To reduce the sodium, make sure to rinse them before adding to the food processor. The chickpeas are the star of the show here to create these soft, moist baked bars. We have many healthy bean recipes where we transform beans in new ways!
• oats – use certified gluten free if needed
• sunflower butter -If you don’t like sunflower seed butter, you can use pumpkin butter, watermelon seed butter or soy butter. If you don’t have a nut allergy, any nut butter will work!
• coconut sugar – You can substitute for white sugar or add more maple syrup instead
• baking powder
• baking soda
• sea salt – helps to bring out flavor!
• vanilla extract
• maple syrup – you can use less than recommended for a less sweet version.
• optional add in’s – sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, dried fruit

Want some more fun kid-friendly recipe ideas for snacks and meal prep? Check out our dietitian-approved 30 healthy recipes for toddlers and kids!

I want healthy recipes to help my picky eater!

How to Make Chickpea Protein Bars

The best part about making this chickpea protein bars recipe is that all you need is a high speed blender or food processor.

You don’t need to dirty up a bunch of bowls.

Start by adding chickpeas to a food processor. Slowly add in other ingredients and blend until smooth. 

Then, pour the batter in your baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes in the oven.

While it can be difficult to find truly nut free vegan bars (most vegan recipes rely on cashews or tree nuts), or protein bars without protein powder, this is a true winner on both accounts. These chickpea bars also make great vegan nut free desserts.

They are a great option for those of us with a sweet tooth who enjoy a healthy, sweet treat after dinner. We alternate between these and our favorite chocolate coconut cream pudding!

Storage

Store your homemade nut free protein bars at room temperature for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container.

Or, freeze for up to 3 months in a stasher bag.

More Vegan Snack Recipes

• Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip
• Homemade Vegan Granola
• Peanut Butter Banana Brownies
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Coconut Balls
• Chocolate Chip Sweetpotato Bread

Servings 9 bars

Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars with Chickpeas

Sarah Schlichter, MPH, RDN

These easy nut free protein bars are a wholesome, on-the-go option. Chickpea protein bars offer a filling combination of protein and fiber and are great allergy free protein bars for those allergic to tree nuts, gluten or dairy. Plus, no protein powder is used!

4.45 from 18 ratings

Print Pin

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup oats use gluten-free if needed
• ½ cup sunflower seed butter*
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• sea salt, for sprinkling optional

Instructions 

1. Preheat oven to 350. 
2. Rinse and drain chickpeas and place in ninja or food processor. Add in other ingredients and blend until smooth, adding sunflower seeds and chocolate chips in last.
3. Spoon batter into 8×8 pan and spread evenly, sprinkling with sea salt.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly browned and set. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before eating. Bars will harden slightly upon cooling.
5. Store cooled bars in refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

You could also use pumpkin or soy butter in place of sunflower seed butter. I haven’t tested it with tahini, but that is another nut-free option.

Store your homemade nut free protein bars at room temperature for up to 3-5 days in an airtight container.

Or, freeze for up to 3 months in a stasher bag.

Equipment

REDMOND Real Sea Salt – Natural Unrefined Gluten Free Fine, 26 Ounce Pouch (1 Pack)

Sunbutter B41295 Sunbutter Natural Sunflower Seed Spread – 16oz

Coombs Family Farms Maple Syrup, Organic, Grade A, Dark Color, Robust Taste, 32-Ounce Jug

Nutrition

Serving: -1Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 9gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 197mgPotassium: 232mgFiber: 4gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 23IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 3mg

Did you make this recipe?Let us know how it was!