Granola bars make a perfect portable snack. While most store-bought options have their merits, a homemade granola bar just can’t be beat. Loaded with hearty oats and studded with nuts, dried fruit or chocolate, we love that homemade granola bars can be customized to suit just about any diet or taste preference.
This recipe for gluten-free granola bars, for example, is perfect for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance. Made using gluten-free oats, bananas, eggs and tasty gluten-free mix-ins, these granola bars come together in under 30 minutes and result in the absolute best chewy granola bars you’ll ever eat.
Gluten-Free Granola Bar Ingredients
- Packed brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Ripe bananas
- Peanut butter
- Salt
- Gluten-free old-fashioned oats
- Gluten-free butterscotch chips (we used Guittard baking chips)
- Semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Mix the ingredients
In a large bowl (or stand mixer) combine the brown sugar and eggs. Beat together until smooth and then add the mashed bananas and peanut butter. Stir until combined and then add the salt and old-fashioned oats. Mix until all of the dry ingredients are moistened and then fold in the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips.
Step 2: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into a 15-by-10-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Then bake for 20 to 25 minutes in a 350°F oven. Remove when the bars begin to bubble and the edges turn brown.
Step 3: Cool and cut
Let the bars cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan and then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice into bars.
Gluten-Free Granola Bar Recipe Variations
Personally, we love the idea that these bars give you an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast. However, we understand some may want healthier ingredient options for their gluten-free granola bars. Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Use natural sweetener:Â Omit the brown sugar in this recipe and replace it with 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. You could also use 1/2 cup of packed, pitted Medjool dates in place of the brown sugar. If you use dates, pulse the dates in a food processor with the eggs and bananas until smooth prior to adding the remaining ingredients.
- Try almond butter: If you have a peanut allergy or simply want to change things up, try swapping 1 cup of your favorite healthy nut butter in place of the peanut butter.
- Skip the chips: Omit the chocolate and butterscotch chips from this recipe. Instead, make an even swap (2 cups) of any combination of your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit or shredded coconut. We recommend a combination of shredded coconut, chia seeds and dried cherries. Yum!
- Whole grains: Add extra wholesome whole grains for added fiber, plant-based protein and texture. Consider replacing 1/2 cup of the rolled oats with 1/2 cup of uncooked quinoa, amaranth, millet or buckwheat.
Gluten-Free Granola Bar Recipe Tips
How do I know these bars are gluten free?
Take care to read the labels of your ingredients when shopping to confirm they are indeed gluten-free and made in a wheat-free facility. If you’re concerned that your product may contain gluten, contact the company.
Can you freeze gluten-free granola bars?
Yes! After slicing the bars, let them freeze on a sheet pan in the freezer. Wrap in parchment paper and an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months.
