Easy Gluten Free Granola Bars Recipe

Chewy, crisp homemade, no-bake Gluten Free Granola Bars. The granola bars that everyone loves! Sweet and salty, these chewy oat snacks are made with nut butter, sesame and chia seeds to add crunchiness, hinted with coconut and vanilla, and sweetened with raisins and a splash of maple syrup. And all you need is ten ingredients to make these gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based granola bars, a tasty treat perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go snacking. 

Today you will learn everything you need to know about making the perfect gluten-free granola bars at home, from shaping tips to add-in ideas, and why they are one of the top on-the-go snacks today.

FAQs about gluten free granola bar recipe

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you create the perfect gluten free, no-bake snack or breakfast option!

What is a gluten-free granola bar?

A gluten-free granola bar is a snack or breakfast option made with oats, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, maple syrup or honey and sometimes coconut and chocolate chips. It is without wheat, barley, rye, or other grains containing gluten. Instead of traditional oats, which may have traces of gluten from cross-contamination during processing, the recipe is made with certified gluten-free oats.

Why are homemade gluten-free granola bars better?

Homemade granola bars offer more control over the ingredients used than store-bought options. You can customize your recipe with add-ins like nuts and dried fruit, avoiding preservatives and artificial flavors. Plus, making them at home ensures they are free from cross-contamination with wheat-based products, and they are more economical.

How to shape no-bake granola bars?

The best way to shape them is by pressing the mixture firmly into a lined dish before chilling. Once chilled, lift out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper as handles and slice into desired shapes.

Why do my homemade granola bars keep falling apart?

To prevent crumbling when cutting your homemade granola bars, use enough wet ingredients such as honey, maple syrup, or nut butter so that all dry ingredients stick together well, and chilling them thoroughly before slicing them with a sharp knife.

How to store no-bake bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them chewy and fresh tasting for up to seven days. If you prefer freezing your granola bars, it’s best to wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them into an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen gluten free granola bars can last up to three months.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Gluten Free Granola Bars

 While both have advantages and disadvantages, choosing between homemade and store-bought will depend on your priorities – convenience or complete control over ingredients!

One advantage of store-bought gluten-free granola bars is convenience. They can be easily found in most grocery stores, making them a quick grab-and-go snack option for busy people. However, many store-bought options may contain added sugars, colors, and preservatives that may not align with your dietary needs or preferences.

On the other hand, homemade gluten-free granola bars allow you to choose every ingredient that goes into them. 

While making homemade granola bars does require some effort upfront, they can be made in large batches and stored for future enjoyment. 

oats vs. certified gluten free oats

Oats are a popular ingredient in granola bars, but choosing the right oats is crucial for those who follow a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Certified gluten-free oats are specifically grown and processed in facilities that do not handle wheat, barley, or rye. They undergo rigorous testing and must meet strict standards set by organizations such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

Regular oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing or grown next to wheat fields, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. 

It’s important to note that even certified gluten-free oats can still cause problems for some individuals. For example, some people may have an allergy or intolerance to oat protein rather than just the presence of gluten.

If you need clarification on whether certified gluten-free oats are necessary for your specific dietary needs, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Here are some gluten free oat recipes you may enjoy;

Cranberry Walnut Overnight Oats

Gluten-Free Maple Oat Nut Scones

Overnight Oats with Chia and Flax

Gluten-Free Multi-Seed Oat Flour Bread

Snickerdoodle Oat Snacking Cake – Gluten Free

Best way to shape granola bars

The shape of granola bars is usually rectangular or square, which makes them easy to pack and store.

The best way to shape your granola bars is using a baking dish or pan lined with parchment paper. This will ensure that the bars don’t stick to the bottom of the pan, and you can easily lift them out once ready.

Once you’ve mixed all the ingredients in a bowl, transfer the mixture into your lined pan and firmly press down using your hands or the back of a measuring cup. 

How to keep no-bake granola bars from falling apart?

One common issue with homemade no-bake granola bars is that they tend to fall apart. However, there are several ways to prevent this from happening.

First, firmly press the mixture into the pan. This will help the ingredients stick together better and create a more cohesive bar.

Next, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting them into individual servings. This allows them to firm up and solidify, which helps keep their shape.

Lastly, if you’re having trouble getting your granola bars to hold together, add more maple syrup, honey, or nut butter. These provide additional stickiness and help bind everything together.

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and helps maintain their shape by keeping them chilled.

What to avoid when making granola bars

Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Be cautious with adding sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. While these ingredients add flavor and sweetness, too much can make your granola bars sticky and too sweet.

Make sure to line your pan with parchment paper before pouring in the mixture; otherwise, they will stick and break apart when removed.

Avoid using old or stale ingredients such as nuts, seeds or dried fruit. These ingredients tend to lose their freshness quickly, which affects flavor. So always use fresh ingredients while making granola bars. And be sure to store your nuts, seeds, and dried fruit correctly.

the details,

Place oats, raisins and coconut into a food processor bowl and pulse a few times. The oats should become about half the size

Mix dry ingredients with nut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla in a bowl

Mix until a thick sticky dough forms

Firmly press the granola mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and chill for a minimum of 2 hours

Using a sharp knife slice to desired sizes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge

Add-ins 

 Adding carefully selected ingredients can take your gluten free granola bar recipe from basic to deliciously unique. Here are some flavorful add-ins you can incorporate into your homemade bars.

Nuts or seeds make for a crunchy addition to any granola bar recipe. Almonds, cashews, pecans, and walnuts are all great options that offer healthy fats and protein. Seeds such as chia, flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp seeds also pack a nutritional punch.

Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, ginger, dates, or apricots add natural sweetness without extra sugar. Dates work exceptionally well in granola bar recipes as they help bind the ingredients together.

Mini chocolate chips or cocoa nibs give an indulgent twist to traditional granola bars. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants while satisfying those sweet cravings.

For those who enjoy spices, cinnamon adds warmth, while ginger adds zingy freshness. Both work well with many flavor combinations but are incredibly delicious with dried fruit.

Why add raisins to a granola bar recipe

Raisins are a popular addition to granola bar recipes and for good reason! 

Not only do they add a natural sweetness to the bars, but they also provide numerous health benefits and are economical.

First, raisins are packed with antioxidants and are high in fiber, essential for digestive health, and keeping you full longer.

Raisins also add moisture to the recipe, which helps keep the bars chewy. Plus, their size makes them easy to distribute throughout the mixture, giving you a little sweetness in every bite.

Uses for a granola bar

Granola bars are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. One of the most common uses is as a quick and easy breakfast. They provide an energy boost to start your day and keep you feeling full until lunchtime.

A healthy snack between meals can help curb hunger and prevent overeating later, whether at work or running errands.

If you’re an athlete or want to increase your protein intake, homemade granola bars are an excellent option for a post-workout snack. With the addition of nuts, seeds, and oats, they can provide the nutrients your body needs to recover after exercise.

For those with dietary restrictions such as dairy-free or gluten-free diets, making your granola bars allows you to tailor them specifically to your needs. They make for a convenient snack while traveling or when options may be limited.

For kids who need snacks for school or after-school activities, homemade granola bars can be a healthier alternative than pre-packaged snacks with refined sugar and additives. 

My take on homemade gluten free granola bars. 

Homemade gluten-free granola bars are an easy and delicious way to start your day or snack on the go. 

Whether you prefer adding seeds or dried fruit, unsweetened coconut, or chocolate chips, the homemade granola bars are free from artificial additives and preservatives because you control the ingredients. And with no baking required and less than ten ingredients, they are economical and an easy recipe anyone can make!

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