How to Make Our Favorite Gluten-Free Granola Bars Recipe
Updated: Jul. 08, 2022Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
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.
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.
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
Homemade Tortilla Chips
I make these homemade tortilla chips to serve with roasted tomatillo salsa. They have a little heat from the chipotle. If you prefer plain, just sprinkle with salt after frying. —David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
Rosemary Walnuts
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Antipasto Skewers
This elegant-looking appetizer is quick and easy to make. It's perfect for dinner parties, cocktail parties and everything in between! —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, North Dakota
Slow-Cooker Hard-Boiled Eggs
These slow-cooker hard-boiled eggs are my go-to for a group. They're a lifesaver and perfect for the holidays! I love the walk-away convenience. —Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor
Chocolate Date Energy Balls
Eating just one of these healthy chocolate date energy balls satisfies my sweet tooth without added refined sugar. My recipe is a spinoff of an energy ball my daughter made for me when I was testing for my taekwondo black belt. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
These tomato bites are easy to fix as an appetizer or salad. It's impossible to eat just one. —Mary Lou, Florida
Gluten- and Dairy-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
After learning of gluten and dairy issues in our family, I knew I had to re-create our favorite sweet bread. This gluten-free bread can be made using a premixed gluten-free flour or your own homemade blend. We use coconut milk to make it dairy-free, but any type of milk works! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Best Hummus
Hummus is my go-to appetizer when I need something quick, easy and impressive. Over the years I've picked up a number of tricks that make this the best hummus recipe you'll ever have. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Old Bay Crispy Kale Chips
Here in East Hampton, NY, harvesttime means big bunches of kale from local growers. These crunchy kale chips are delicious, super healthy and easy to make. I make them with seasoning to take the flavor up a notch. For extra zip, add a dash of cayenne pepper. —Luanne Asta, East Hampton, New York
Lemony Snack Mix
I'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas
Marinated Sausage Kabobs
These flavorful and colorful appetizers are so fun they'll be the talk of the party. And they're so easy: Simply assemble the day before and forget about them! —Joanne Boone, Danville, Ohio
Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Muffins
I have a family member with special dietary needs, so I came up with these gluten-free sweet potato muffins that we could all enjoy. These are just as good as any traditional recipe, maybe better! If you don't have sweet potato on hand, canned pumpkin may be used instead. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Kettle Corn
If you go to a fair looking to satisfy your craving for popcorn, you'll get the same wonderful salty-sweet taste at home with my kettle corn recipe. Now you can indulge whenever the mood strikes you. —Jenn Martin, Sebago, Maine
Herbed Feta Dip
Guests can’t get enough of this thick, zesty dip that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese and fresh mint complement each other beautifully, creating the perfect sidekick for crunchy carrots, toasted pita chips, sliced baguettes or any other dipper you fancy.—Rebecca Ray, Chicago, Illinois
Spicy Edamame
Edamame (pronounced ay-duh-MAH-may) are young soybeans in their pods. In our Test Kitchen, we boiled and seasoned them with salt, ginger, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
Baba Ganoush
Baba ganoush (also spelled baba ghanoush or baba ghanouj) is a Lebanese dip made with roasted eggplant. It's typically served as a starter with pita bread or fresh vegetables. —Nithya Narasimhan, Chennai, Alabama
Gluten-Free Fig Cookies
These special cookies definitely don’t taste gluten-free. For added appeal, I soak the figs overnight in a mixture of port and pomegranate juice. Twinkle30 - Tasteofhome.com community
Cinnamon Spiced Pecans
These spiced pecans are a treat enjoyed by people of all ages. They are nice to have on hand during the Christmas season to serve as an appetizer, add to a cookie plate or give as gifts packaged in decorated jars or containers! I love making foods that will delight my family or guests. —Brenda Schneider, Armington, Illinois
Ham Pickle Pinwheels
My mom introduced me to this ham pickle pinwheels appetizer a number of years ago, and I've been making them for parties ever since. They are easy to make and are always well received by guests. —Gloria Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio
Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
This air-fryer sweet potato chips recipe is so quick and easy. Be sure to give the sweet potato slices a quick soak in cold water to help remove some of the excess starch. —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
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
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
No-Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bars
These peanut butter energy bars are made with natural ingredients, and there's no baking required! You can substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts. Want more fiber? Add a little wheat germ. —Amy Crane, Richland, Michigan
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
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
Garlic Bread Bites
These garlic bread bites are ridiculously easy to make and insanely tasty! To make them extra cheesy, sprinkle the tops with more mozzarella cheese after taking them out of the oven the second time, and then return them to the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. —Anna Bowden, Littleton, Colorado
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
Looking for a lighter snack that's still a crowd-pleaser? You've found it! This zesty, crunchy chickpea recipe will have everyone happily munching. —Julie Ruble, Charlotte, North Carolina
Quick Fruit Compote
My mother used to make this recipe when I was a child. My four kids always ate more fruit when I dressed it up this way. -Maxine Otis Hobson, Montana
Slow-Cooked Salsa
I love the fresh taste of homemade salsa, but as a working mother, I don't have much time to make it. So I came up with this slow-cooked version that practically makes itself! —Toni Menard, Lompoc, California
Gluten-Free Banana Bread
This gluten-free banana bread recipe isn't dry and crumbly—it tastes like the real thing. I hope you try it! —Gladys Arnold, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tex-Mex Popcorn
Spicy Southwest seasoning makes this snackin'-good popcorn ideal for any fiesta. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Caprese Salad Kabobs
Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Sweet & Spicy Peanuts
With a caramel-like coating and a touch of heat from the hot sauce, these crunchy peanuts make a tasty anytime snack. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Parmesan Yogurt Dip
We like to eat raw vegetables a few times a week as a side dish for a meal, and this is a healthier alternative to ranch dressing for a veggie dip. —Kathleen Tribble, Buellton, California
Homemade Potato Chips
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
