Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Julia

These homemade gluten-free granola bars are the perfect solution for anyone seeking a wholesome, portable snack that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition. Made with certified gluten-free oats, nuts, seeds, and naturally sweetened with honey and maple syrup, these bars offer a satisfying combination of chewy texture and nutty flavor that rivals any store-bought version. Unlike commercial granola bars that often contain hidden gluten and excessive added sugars, these homemade treats give you complete control over the ingredients.

What makes these granola bars truly special is their versatility and customizability. The base recipe provides a perfect balance of binding agents and dry ingredients, ensuring bars that hold together beautifully without crumbling. The addition of almond butter not only enhances the flavor but also provides healthy fats and protein to keep you energized throughout your busy day. Whether you're rushing out the door for work, packing school lunches, or need a pre-workout boost, these bars deliver sustained energy without the sugar crash.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and make-ahead convenience. In just 30 minutes of active time, you can prepare a full batch that yields 12 substantial bars, enough to last through a week of snacking. They store beautifully at room temperature for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage. Once you master the basic recipe, you can experiment with different mix-ins like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes to create your own signature version. These bars prove that gluten-free eating doesn't mean sacrificing convenience or flavor.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

40 minutes
None servings
285 calories
Fat 15.00g
Carbs 34.00g
Protein 7.00g

Ingredients

3 cupsgluten-free rolled oats
1 cupalmonds, roughly chopped
1/2 cuppumpkin seeds
1/2 cupsunflower seeds
1 tspground cinnamon
1/2 tspsalt
1/2 cuphoney
1/4 cupmaple syrup
1/2 cupalmond butter
2 tbspcoconut oil, melted
1 tspvanilla extract
1/2 cupmini chocolate chips (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Parchment paper
measuring spoons
measuring cups
large mixing bowl
medium saucepan
sharp knife
9x13 inch baking pan
wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
wire cooling rack

80/20 Diet

Perfectly fits the 80/20 diet with over 80% of ingredients being whole, nutrient-dense foods like oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. The recipe emphasizes unprocessed ingredients while allowing minimal flexibility with chocolate chips.

Clean Eating

Fully aligned with clean eating principles, this recipe uses whole, minimally processed ingredients like gluten-free oats, nuts, seeds, honey, and maple syrup. The homemade approach allows complete control over ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives.

Gluten-Free Diet

A perfect gluten-free recipe using certified gluten-free oats and naturally gluten-free ingredients like nuts, seeds, and almond butter. All ingredients are carefully selected to avoid gluten contamination, making these granola bars safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Intermittent Fasting

An excellent intermittent fasting snack that provides balanced nutrition with protein from nuts and almond butter, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to help maintain energy and satiety during eating windows.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

2 min
2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to distribute all the dry ingredients evenly.

2 min
3
4 min

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, maple syrup, almond butter, and melted coconut oil. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 3-4 minutes.

4

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

5

Pour the warm honey mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix thoroughly until all the oats and nuts are completely coated with the sticky mixture.

3 min
6

If using chocolate chips, let the mixture cool for 5 minutes, then fold in the chocolate chips so they don't melt completely.

5 min
7

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Using the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly wet them to prevent sticking), press the mixture down very firmly and evenly into the pan. The more firmly you press, the better the bars will hold together.

3 min
8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top looks set.

25 min
9

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time is crucial for the bars to set properly and hold together when cut.

2h
10

Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into 12 equal bars.

2 min
11

Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions