I became gluten-free before we had so many options and information. I had no idea what I could eat and it was the same with everyone around me. Because of that, I ate a LOT of granola bars because they were labeled gluten-free. As much as I didn’t want to look at them for years, I’d say that made me quite the expert for when I decided to set out to make the perfect granola bar.
These are fully customizable as are a lot of my recipes. However, I think they are pretty darn good the way they are. They aren’t too sweet but they’re sweet enough, they aren’t too crunchy but they have some nice texture. I think they are the perfect balance of everything I want in a granola bar.
Whether you are taking them for a weekend trip or want to mix up the weekly after school snack, these bars fit perfectly. Incorporate whatever fruit and nuts you enjoy. Maybe even add in some sprinkles for a special “fairy” visit.
granola bars
Gluten-Free Granola Bars
Perfectly textured with a variety of customization abilities, go crazy and have some fun.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 20 minutes Chill Time:1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes Yield: 12 Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats (certified GF)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts—your pick!)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (or mini chocolate chips for a treat)
- ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- ¼ cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or butter if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Granola Bars
Instructions
Prep Work:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—let some hang over the sides for easy lifting later.
- Chop your nuts if they’re whole, and measure out the oats, dried fruit (or chips), and other goodies.
- Set a small saucepan on the stove for the sticky stuff you’ll melt next.
Mixing:
- In the saucepan, combine honey, almond butter, and coconut oil over low heat. Stir until it’s melted and smooth—about 2-3 minutes.
- Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. It’ll smell cozy and amazing.
- In a big bowl, toss the oats, nuts, and dried fruit together, then pour the warm mixture over it. Stir until everything’s coated and sticky—get in there with a spatula!
Shaping & Chilling:
- Dump the mixture into your lined pan and press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands (wet them slightly if it’s too sticky). Make it even and compact so the bars hold together.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment and cool completely on a rack—about 1 hour.
- Slice into 12 bars with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container at room temp for a week or fridge for longer.
Tips:
- Flavor Vibes: Try dried cherries or add a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
- Kid-Friendly: Use mini chocolate chips and skip the nuts if allergies are a worry.
- Pro Move: Press hard when shaping—loose bars crumble!
