Homemade Gluten-Free Granola Bars Packed with Nutrition
Welcome to my kitchen! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always on the hunt for delicious and healthy recipes – and these gluten-free granola bars are no exception. Whether you’re looking for a midday snack or an on-the-go breakfast, these homemade bars are perfect for satisfying your cravings without compromising your health.
The best part? You won’t need a degree in culinary arts to whip up a batch of these tasty treats. With just a handful of ingredients and some simple steps, you can make chewy granola bars that everyone in your family will love. Plus, since they’re certified gluten-free and dairy-free, you can enjoy them knowing they’re good for you.
I promise you won’t miss the store-bought versions once you’ve tasted these soft and chewy granola bars packed full of wholesome ingredients like oats, quinoa, dried cranberries, and unsweetened coconut. So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a nutritious and delicious snack that you can take with you on-the-go? Look no further than these gluten-free granola bars! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they are also packed full of healthy ingredients like oats, quinoa, and dried cranberries.
But why else will you love this recipe? For one, it’s customizable. Don’t like cranberries? No problem, swap them out for your favorite dried fruit. Don’t have golden syrup? Replace it with honey or maple syrup instead. With this recipe, you have the freedom to tailor your granola bars to your own personal taste preferences.
Additionally, these granola bars are perfect for those with dietary restrictions. They are not only gluten-free, but also dairy-free and vegan. Plus, you won’t miss out on any flavor or texture – they are chewy and delicious.
Finally, these granola bars are an affordable and healthy alternative to store-bought protein bars or snack bars. You can make a big batch at home and take them with you wherever you go. They are the perfect addition to your breakfast, post-workout snack, or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
In conclusion, you’ll love this recipe because it’s customizable, suitable for those with dietary restrictions, delicious and chewy, and an affordable and healthy snack option. So why not give it a try today?
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list of our gluten-free granola bars recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients (1)
- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Ingredients (2)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup golden syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients (3)
- 3 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¾ cup creamy natural peanut butter
- â…“ cup honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Optional Ingredients
Feel free to add any of the following optional ingredients to give your granola bars an extra twist:
– Pumpkin seeds
– Chopped almonds or other nuts
– Chocolate chips
– Crispy rice cereal
– Protein powder
Make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and other ingredients, to ensure that the granola bars are truly gluten-free. You can always find certified gluten-free ingredients in the organic food aisle of any supermarket. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients for variation and personalization!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter, how to make these delicious gluten-free granola bars. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and it only requires a few steps. To start, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven.
Step 1: Melt the wet ingredients
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together 1/2 cup of peanut butter with 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of coconut oil until smooth. Be sure to mix well while heating, as you don’t want any lumps in your mixture.
Step 2: Mix in the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of quinoa, 1/2 cup of unsweetened coconut, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of almonds, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Mix all these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine Both Mixtures
Once your wet mixture has melted into a nice smooth consistency, pour it into your dry mixture bowl. Mix everything together until you have an evenly coated granola texture.
Step 4: Place the mixture in a pan
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray so that your bars don’t stick to the pan. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly using the back of a spatula or spoon.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 325F° (165° Celsius) until golden brown. Once you take them out of the oven, let them cool down for about 10 minutes before cutting them into bars.
And there you have it! Your homemade gluten-free granola bars are now ready! Serve them fresh with some coffee or tea as an afternoon snack, or pack them in your bag for an on-the-go breakfast. These healthy and soft-chewy granola bars are deliciously nutritious and perfect to satisfy your cravings while still taking care of your diet.
Substitutions and Variations
I always like to give my readers the flexibility to customize their meals according to their preferences or dietary restrictions. In this recipe, you can experiment with different substitutions and variations to make it uniquely yours.
Firstly, let’s talk about the oats. We have used gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe, but if you are looking for a grain-free or low-carb option, you can substitute with coconut flakes or almond flour. Quinoa flakes can also be a great alternative for an extra dose of protein!
If you are allergic to peanut butter, you can swap it for any other nut butter like almond or cashew butter. Alternatively, try using seed butter made from sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds for a nut-free and allergy-friendly option.
For those who want some added crunch, chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts or pecans would be excellent additions to your granola bars. Adding some seeds such as chia seeds or flaxseeds will also give your bars a wholesome texture.
If you are looking for a sweeter option, consider switching out brown sugar for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also add in some chocolate chips or dried fruits such as raisins, dates, cranberries or apricots to complement the chewy granola texture.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with different flavors! Try adding cinnamon or ginger to your granola bars for a warm and cozy taste. Maybe even swap the vanilla extract for some almond or coconut flavoring.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing your own homemade granola bars. Remember that recipe guidelines should be flexible – not restrictive! So feel free to play around with ingredients and let your creativity run wild.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these delicious gluten-free granola bars, it’s time to enjoy them! There are a variety of ways to serve and pair these bars to make them even more delicious.
First and foremost, they are perfect as an on-the-go snack. Grab a bar or two and take them with you when you’re out running errands, on a hike, or at work. They’ll provide you with the energy you need to get through your day.
For a more substantial snack or light lunch, try pairing these granola bars with a piece of fruit and some nut butter. The combination of carbs, protein, and healthy fats will keep you full and satisfied.
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try drizzling melted chocolate on top of the bars or sandwiching them between two slices of banana for a healthy take on a dessert sandwich.
These granola bars also make a great addition to any breakfast spread. Serve them alongside some yogurt or add them as a crunchy topping to your oatmeal bowl.
No matter how you decide to serve and pair these granola bars, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made a batch of these delicious gluten-free Granola Bars, it’s important to know how to store them properly so that they remain fresh and retain their flavor. If you’re making these chewy bars for breakfast or snacking on the go, you might want to make them ahead of time.
Fortunately, these bars are ideal for making ahead of time because they stay fresh in an airtight container or a ziplock bag for up to two weeks. This is because the oats and dried fruit contain natural preservatives that keep them fresh for longer periods.
You can also store them in the freezer for up to three months. For maximum freshness, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
When it comes to reheating, it is best to take the bars out of the fridge or freezer and let them sit at room temperature until they soften to your desired texture. Additionally, you can microwave them for a few seconds (about 10-15 seconds) to warm them up before eating.
Note: Be careful not to overheat them as this could make the bars crumble since we do not use added sugars like high fructose corn syrup or artificial additives like stabilizers.
Overall, these make-ahead, storing and reheating tips will ensure that you always have a healthy snack at hand whenever hunger strikes. Whether you are hiking, traveling, or simply need something quick on the go, our homemade granola bars provide a convenient and satisfying option free of gluten, dairy and other common allergens!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to make perfect gluten-free, dairy-free granola bars, pay attention to these tips. I have some ideas that can help you achieve excellent results.
First, if you want granola bars that are chewy and not too crumbly, make sure to pack down the mixture firmly in the pan. Otherwise, the bars may fall apart easily.
Second, make sure to let your granola mixture cool for a few minutes before trying to cut it into bars. This will give the structure time to firm up and prevent it from crumbling or falling apart.
Third, if you’re using dried fruit like cranberries instead of raisins, chop them up into small pieces before adding them to the mix. This makes the bars easier to cut and helps ensure that every bite has a balanced amount.
Fourth, be careful not to over-bake the bars. Keep an eye on them during cooking and take them out when they’re golden brown around the edges but not burnt. Over-baked bars will be dry and crumbly.
Fifth, try to use certified gluten-free oats and ingredients whenever possible. These products have been tested and shown to be free of gluten contamination, so they’re safer for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Sixth, experiment with different add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or seeds to add variety and flavor to your bars. Just be mindful of portion sizes and potential allergens for yourself or any guests.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious gluten-free, dairy-free granola bars that are soft, chewy, and perfect for snacking on-the-go.
FAQ
Now that you have all the ingredient lists, tips for perfect results, serving and pairing suggestions, make-ahead storing and reheating ideas for your granola bars recipe, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that I receive about this recipe. This will address any concerns you may have and ensure that you are on the right path to creating these chewy, gluten-free granola bars.
Can granola bars be gluten free?
Introducing the perfect gluten-free granola bar that both kids and adults will love – Annie’s Double Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. These snack bars have a delightful chocolatey flavor and are made with wholesome ingredients such as whole-grain oats and real chocolate chips. With 11 grams of whole grains per serving, this treat is both delicious and nutritious.
What makes granola bars stick together?
After experimenting with various sticky ingredients, I’ve discovered that honey is the most effective binding agent for homemade granola bars. Its ability to hold all the ingredients together makes it a perfect glue-like solution.
What kind of granola bars are gluten free?
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I specialize in providing advice on the preparation of healthy, organic, and allergen-free meals. In this article, I will be sharing with you some detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations for preparing gluten-free and dairy-free recipes.
To help you make informed choices, I have also compiled a list of popular gluten-free and dairy-free brands such as 88 Acres, Annie’s Homegrown, Bobo’s, Enjoy Life, Freeyumm, Kind Bars, Made Good and Nature Valley.
So if you are looking to whip up some delicious, healthy, and allergen-free meals, you have come to the right place. Follow along as I guide you through the process of preparing some amazing recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Are soft and chewy granola bars gluten free?
When it comes to snacking, store-bought granola bars may not always be the healthiest option. But fear not, as I have a solution for you! These homemade soft and chewy granola bars are not only better than store-bought but can also be customized. Plus, they’re gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and can easily be made nut-free and/or vegan. Keep reading for a quick, filling, and healthy snack recipe.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these gluten-free granola bars are a delicious and healthy snack that you should definitely try making. With simple ingredients that can be easily substituted to personal taste or dietary restrictions, you can make a batch of these bars as an alternative to buying packaged snacks that may contain harmful additives. The combination of oats, quinoa, dried cranberries, and unsweetened coconut creates a perfect harmony in every bite. Plus, the addition of seed butter or peanut butter boosts the protein content, making them a great pre-workout or post-workout snack.
Not only do these bars taste amazing, but they provide countless health benefits too. They are high in fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats. Additionally, with no added refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, these bars help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent sugar crashes.
Finally, making your own granola bars is a cost-effective alternative to buying mass-produced snack bars from the store. You’ll save money and have peace of mind knowing exactly what ingredients you’re putting into your body.
So, what are you waiting for? Get creative with the recipe and make a batch of delicious gluten-free granola bars today!
Granola Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups gluten-free quinoa
- 2 cups gluten free only oats, pure oatmeal
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup gluten-free crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies )
- 1 cup miniature chocolate chip
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups no-sugar-added peanut butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup beehive golden syrup
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 12 inch x 18 inch baking sheet.
- In a very large bowl mix together the first 7 dry ingredients.
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- On a low speed, slowly mix in the golden corn syrup. High speed may cause separation.
- Add the moist to the dry ingredients, mixing by hand until well blended.
- Evenly press into the baking sheet.
- Bake @350F for about 20 minutes.
- The baking time may vary depending on if you like a moist or chewy bar.
- Cool slightly, cut into portion sizes. Freeze.
- Check out our website ourfavoriteglutenfreerecipes.info for more "delicious recipes missing the gluten but not the flavor".