How to Make Our Favorite Gluten-Free Granola Bars Recipe
Updated: Dec. 16, 2020Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Learn to make our go-to gluten-free granola bars in three simple steps.
Granola bars make a perfect snack. It’s evident by the fact that you’ll almost always find an old granola bar wrapper crumpled up at the bottom of a purse or gym bag. While most store-bought options have their merits, a homemade granola bar just can’t be beat. Loaded with hearty oats and mixed 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.
Would you use a sugar alternative in your baking recipes?
P.S. Bookmark this library for more gluten-free recipes!
How to Make Gluten-Free Granola Bars
This recipe for Gluten-Free Oatmeal Chip Bars comes to us from Susan James of Cokato, Minnesota.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3-4 medium)
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups gluten-free old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup gluten-free butterscotch chips, we used Guittard baking chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Editor’s Note: 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.
Instructions
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 15x10x1-inch baking pan coated with cooking spray. Then bake for 20-25 minutes in a 350° oven. Remove when the bars begin to bubble and the edges begin to turn brown.
Step 3: Cool and cut
Let the bars cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan and then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Slice into bars. For a slicing master class, watch this video.
How to Lighten Up these Granola Bars
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 GF granola bars. Here are a few tasty ideas:
Use Natural Sweetener
You can 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 Instead
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. We bet almond butter would be super delicious in these bars.
Skip the Chips
You may also 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!
Work in More Whole Grains
Add extra wholesome whole grains to this recipe 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.
Chocolaty Chips
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin
Garlic & Onion Cashews
You'll be set for either a quick snack or an easy hostess gift when you use this recipe. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Homemade Guacamole
Nothing is better than freshly made guacamole when you're eating something spicy. It is easy to whip together in a matter of minutes and quickly tames anything that's too hot. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Freezer Sweet Corn
People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have "fresh" corn any time of the year. —Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael, Minnesota
Chewy Caramel-Coated Popcorn
When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Dill Vegetable Dip
A friend gave me this zesty dip recipe many years ago, and now I serve it at our annual holiday open house. To make it mobile, spoon a serving of the dip in the bottom of a small cup, then garnish with fresh veggies. —Karen Gardiner, Eutaw, Alabama
Pickled Eggs with Beets
Ever since I can remember, my Mother served this pickled egg recipe at Easter. It was a tradition that my family expected. I made them for my granddaughter the last time she visited and they were all gone before she left. —Mary Banker, Fort Worth, Texas
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Strawberries
I was enjoying a salad with strawberries and blue cheese when the idea hit me to stuff the strawberries and serve them as an appetizer. It worked out great, and the flavors blend so nicely. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Roasted Cumin Cashews
Kick up parties and get-togethers with this well-seasoned snack. The cashews are sweet, salty, crunchy...and oh, so munchable. —Martha Fehl, Brookville, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Spiced Mixed Nuts
What slow cookers do for soups and stews, they’ll do for mixed nuts, too. The scent of spices is delightful, and the nuts are delicious. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
Wondering what to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your pumpkin-carving party? This yummy, microwave-easy recipe is the answer! Save some for yourself before they're gone! —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Fruit and Cheese Kabobs
We came up with this fresh and fruity summer snack idea. It's easy to make ahead and carry to the ballpark, beach or playground, and the cinnamon-spiced yogurt dip adds a fun touch kids love. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Candied Pumpkin Spice Pecans
You’ll be tempted to take possession of the bowl and eat up all of these sweet and spicy nuts. Before you know it, they’ll be gone! —Julie Puderbaugh, Berwick, Pennsylvania
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Serve this dish as an appetizer or a dessert—the choice is yours! If desired, the pineapple spears can be rolled in flaked coconut before grilling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Double-Nut Stuffed Figs
We have a family member that has diabetes, so dessert can get tricky. These sweet, nutritious stuffed figs keep us all happy. —Bob Bailey, Columbus, Ohio
Ranch Popcorn
What’s movie night at home without some popcorn to munch? Try a big tub of this buttery, showstopping blend. It’s easy, cheesy and finger-lickin’ good. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ginger-Maple Roasted Pecans
Use these spiced nuts as a snack, in a salad or as a coating for fish. They're a smart ingredient to keep on hand. —Angie Thanopoulos, Arlington Heights, Illinois
Caramel Apple and Brie Skewers
I'm a caterer, and this is one of my best-selling appetizers. The shortcut of using prepared caramel makes these little apple skewers a snap to assemble. —Camille Ellis, Tampa, Florida
Roasted Carrot Fries
Turn carrot sticks into fun "fries" with a happier health profile by popping them in the oven and serving them fry-style. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nacho Popcorn
My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota
Slow Cooker Candied Nuts
I like giving spiced nuts as holiday gifts. This slow cooker recipe with ginger and cinnamon is so good, you just might use it all year long. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Monster Munchies
Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn
Fresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Candied Pecans
I pack these easy candied pecans in jars tied with pretty ribbon for family and friends. My granddaughter gave some to a doctor at the hospital where she works, and he said they were too good to be true! —Opal Turner, Hughes Springs, Texas
Peanut Caramel Corn
A sweet, crunchy, lighter alternative to traditional caramel corn, this can't-stop-eatin'-it treat won't stick to fingers or teeth! Wonderful for gifts, too. —Lois Ward, Puslinch, Ontario
Spicy Almonds
We like to venture out into the mountain range that surrounds our family cabin. These nuts never taste better than when we enjoy them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Old-Fashioned Fruit Compote
A perfect partner for your Christmas goose, this warm and fruity side dish can simmer while you prepare the rest of your menu, or make it a day ahead and reheat before serving. —Shirley A. Glaab, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Curried Tropical Nut Mix
This nutty concoction is an easy, make-at-home food gift. It will spice up the snack table at any party. Good luck keeping the bowl filled. —Mary Ann Dell, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Two-Bean Hummus
My children love this easy hummus and even like to help me make it! Hummus is a great way to sneak some beans and important soluble fiber into their diets. I also serve this in a bread bowl with my vegetable platter for our Thanksgiving dinner. —Kelly Andreas, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Nut Butter Cups
My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Loaded Baked Potato Rounds
I was trying to create an appetizer that could be served at my teenaged daughters birthday party that the kids would love but that would appear elegant enough for the adults to be interested as well. These are made with simple ingredients yet yield a sophisticated result. Feel free to get creative with the flavors. Try shredded white cheddar in place of mozzarella or thyme instead of the rosemary. Take it up another notch by topping the rounds with smoked fish. —Amanda Digges, South Windsor, Connecticut
Gingerbread Caramel Crunch
If you love gingerbread, you won't be able to resist this crispy, crunchy popcorn. Munch it yourself or share it as a tasty gift! —Lynne Weigle-Snow, Alexandria, Virginia
Sugar-and-Spice Candied Nuts
Here’s a wonderful snack to have on hand for entertaining, gift-giving or just munching anytime. With a sweet-spicy coating, the crunchy mixed nuts are hard to resist.—Tonya Burkhard, David, Illinois
Asparagus with Fresh Basil Sauce
Add zip to your appetizer platter with an easy asparagus dip that doubles as a flavorful sandwich spread. — Janie Colle, Hutchinson, Kansas
Roasted Cheddar Herb Almonds
I prepared these one Christmas for my son, who was on a low-carb diet. I was afraid he'd be disappointed because he couldn't eat holiday cookies, but these made up for it—he loved them! Save a handful to chop and sprinkle over a green salad or pasta. —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Turtle Chips
Salty-sweet, crunchy-chewy—so many sensations in one delectable bite. This is the absolute easiest recipe to make! Both kids and adults will be reaching for this goodie. —Leigh Ann Stewart, Hopkinsville, Kentucky
Sesame-Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
This “everything” mix of pumpkin seeds with other seeds and seasoning is a fun treat—a lively way to use the seeds left over from your Halloween jack-o’-lantern! —Danielle Ulam, Hookstown, PennsylvaniaPopular Videos
