By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 3, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 68 votes
Rich, fudgy, nut-free, and wildly addictive, these No-Bake Chocolate Sunflower Seed Bars are the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation. Made with creamy sunflower seed butter, cocoa powder, and hearty oats, they deliver deep chocolate flavor with zero oven time and maximum snack satisfaction.
Table of Contents
No-Bake Chocolate Sunflower Seed Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Description
Fudgy, rich, and totally nut-free, these No-Bake Chocolate Sunflower Seed Bars come together in one bowl and set in the fridge. They’re lunchbox-friendly, freezer-friendly, and made with sunflower seed butter, cocoa, and oats for a chewy, chocolatey bite.
Ingredients
Sunflower seed butter (creamy) – 1 cup (240 g)
Maple syrup or honey – 1/3 cup (80 ml)
Coconut oil, melted – 1/4 cup (60 ml)
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp (5 ml)
Unsweetened cocoa powder – 1/4 cup (25 g)
Rolled oats – 1 1/2 cups (135 g)
Fine salt – 1/4 tsp (1.5 g)
Mini chocolate chips or sunflower seeds (optional) – 1/4 cup (45 g)
Instructions
1. Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
2. In a large bowl, stir sunflower seed butter, maple syrup (or honey), melted coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
3. Add cocoa powder and salt. Stir until fully combined and evenly chocolatey.
4. Mix in rolled oats until the mixture is thick and holds together when pressed.
5. Fold in chocolate chips or sunflower seeds, if using.
6. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan using a spatula or the bottom of a glass.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze 30 minutes) until fully set.
8. Lift out, slice into 12 bars, and serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
Notes
Stir natural sunflower seed butter very well before measuring, especially if it has separated.
Press firmly. Compacting the mixture is the difference between clean slices and crumbly bars.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, add 1 tsp (2 g) instant espresso powder with the cocoa.
Maple syrup keeps these vegan. Honey works too if vegan is not needed.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months. Bars soften if left warm for long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
About This Recipe
What It Is
This recipe is a no-bake chocolate bar built on sunflower seed butter instead of nuts, making it school-safe, allergy-friendly, and perfect for families. Everything mixes in one bowl and sets up in the fridge into thick, sliceable bars.
Why It Works
Sunflower seed butter provides natural fats and protein, cocoa powder brings bold chocolate depth, and oats add structure without baking. Coconut oil helps everything firm up cleanly once chilled.
When to Make It
- Weekly meal prep
- Lunchbox treats
- After-school snacks
- No-bake holiday platters
- Summer desserts when the oven stays off
Why You’ll Love It
- Completely no bake and no stove required
- Nut-free and lunchbox-safe
- Deep chocolate flavor with a fudgy bite
- Made with pantry staples
- Freezer-friendly and meal-prep perfect
Key Ingredients and Notes
Sunflower Seed Butter
Use creamy, unsweetened sunflower seed butter for the best texture. Natural versions that separate are ideal. Stir well before measuring. Sunflower seed butter gives a rich, nutty flavor without triggering nut allergies. According to Healthline, sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, making them a smart base for snacks.
Cocoa Powder
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides that intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-process cocoa works beautifully here for a smoother, darker finish, while natural cocoa gives a sharper chocolate edge.
Rolled Oats
Old-fashioned rolled oats add chew and structure. Quick oats will work but produce a softer bar. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Sweetener
Maple syrup keeps the bars vegan and adds warm sweetness. Honey also works if vegan is not required. Avoid granulated sugar as it will not dissolve properly.
Coconut Oil
Melted coconut oil firms up the bars as they chill. Refined coconut oil keeps the flavor neutral. This is a key structural ingredient so do not skip it.
Vanilla and Salt
Vanilla rounds out the chocolate. Salt sharpens flavors and prevents the bars from tasting flat.
Optional mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or extra sunflower seeds add texture and visual appeal.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Sunflower Seed Bars
- Prepare the pan
Line an 8 by 8 inch pan (20 by 20 cm) with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. - Mix the wet base
In a large bowl, stir together sunflower seed butter (1 cup / 240 g), maple syrup (⅓ cup / 80 ml), melted coconut oil (¼ cup / 60 ml), and vanilla extract (1 tsp / 5 ml) until completely smooth and glossy. - Add the dry ingredients
Add cocoa powder (¼ cup / 25 g), salt (¼ tsp / 1.5 g), and rolled oats (1½ cups / 135 g). Stir until thick, dark, and evenly combined. - Fold in extras
Gently mix in optional chocolate chips or sunflower seeds (¼ cup / 45 g). - Press and chill
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Press firmly using a spatula or the bottom of a glass until compact and even. - Set
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes until fully firm. - Slice and serve
Lift out using parchment and slice into 12 bars.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always stir natural sunflower seed butter thoroughly before measuring
- Press the mixture firmly to prevent crumbly bars
- Chill fully before slicing for clean edges
- Use parchment paper for easy removal
- Store bars chilled for best texture
- For extra chocolate intensity, sprinkle cocoa powder on top before chilling
For more no-bake structure tips, King Arthur Baking explains how fats help set no-bake desserts without heat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sweetener to ¼ cup (60 ml)
- Crunchy: Add puffed rice or chopped sunflower seeds
- Protein Boost: Stir in 2 tablespoons protein powder and add 1 to 2 tablespoons extra syrup
- Flavor Twist: Add cinnamon or espresso powder
If you love easy no-bake snacks, you might also enjoy these No-Bake Peanut Butter Yogurt Cups (High Protein) or No-Bake Chocolate Protein Bars (5-Ingredient Snack) for quick grab-and-go energy.
Serving and Storage
Serving
Serve chilled for firm, fudgy bars or let sit 5 minutes at room temperature for a softer bite. These pair beautifully with fruit, yogurt, or a cold glass of milk.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 7 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months, thaw slightly before serving
- Room Temperature: Not recommended for long periods
For more guidance on storing no-bake desserts safely, BBC Good Food offers helpful food storage tips.
FAQs
Are sunflower seed butter bars really nut-free?
Yes. Sunflower seeds are seeds, not nuts, making them safe for most nut-free environments. Always check labels for cross-contamination if allergies are severe.
Why did my bars turn crumbly?
This usually happens if the mixture was not pressed firmly enough or if the coconut oil measurement was short.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but the bars will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats give better structure.
Do these bars need to stay refrigerated?
They hold best when chilled. Warm temperatures will soften them.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9 by 13 inch pan (23 by 33 cm) and double all ingredients.
Conclusion and Call to Action
These No-Bake Chocolate Sunflower Seed Bars prove that simple ingredients can deliver bold chocolate satisfaction without baking, fuss, or allergens. They are chewy, fudgy, dependable, and endlessly adaptable.
If you make them, leave a star rating, drop a comment, and share your photos. And do not forget to sign up for the Flavor & Recipes newsletter for more no-bake favorites like No-Bake Brownie Bites (Fudgy & Healthy) and Easy Chocolate Coconut Clusters (Healthy No-Bake).
