These homemade gluten-free granola bars were one of the first recipes I ever developed. After 8 years of being gluten-free and dairy-free, this granola bar recipe is still my absolute favorite. I tested this recipe more times than I can count, dialing in the binder ratio to get the texture just right. The secret to helping gluten-free and dairy-free granola bars to stick together is a mixture of sunflower seed or nut butter, honey and refrigerating them for over an hour! I also love that these are so customizable and I love playing around with the mix-ins to make insane flavors!
Why You'll Love These Homemade Granola Bars
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand and comes together in one bowl. It's naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free and sweetened with honey, which means it's refined sugar-free. The texture is soft and chewy, which I much prefer to the rock hard store bought granola bars.
These healthy homemade granola bars are super customizable and you can use any mix-ins you love! They are also no-bake, so you don't have to turn an oven on and there are no baking skills required. You just mix the ingredients together, refrigerate and slice! They could not be easier.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Nut butter or sunflower seed butter: This is the main binder for this recipe. The stickiness holds everything together.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and also helps to hold these bars together.
- Oats: The main base for this recipe. Make sure you purchase certified gluten-free oats.
- Chocolate chips: I like to use mini chocolate chips here! Make sure they are dairy-free if you need.
- Dried cranberries: Adds color, texture and tartness.
- Chia seeds: Adds fiber and nutrients.
- Hemp hearts: Creates a nutty texture and boosts nutrition.
- Pumpkin seeds: Adds crunch and magnesium plus healthy fats.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds so much flavor and warmth to these granola bars.
Recipe Variations
The best part of this recipe is that there are endless flavor variations and customizations that you can try.
- Nut butter: You can use any type of nut or seed butter in this recipe. Try almond butter, peanut butter, pumpkin butter, cashew butter or pecan butter!
- Mix-ins: Experiment with different mix-ins like freeze dried strawberries, white chocolate chips, pretzels or coconut flakes.
- Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder into the batter to boost the protein content.
- Sweetener: Try agave, maple syrup or honey as the sweetener!
Here are some of my favorite flavor combinations:
- PB&J: Use peanut butter as the base and add freeze dried strawberries as a mix in.
- Tropical: Stir in dried mango flakes and use macadamia nut butter as the base.
- Trail mix: Try stirring in pretzels, raisins and chocolate candies.
How To Make The Best Gluten-Free Granola Bars
Step 1: Combine sweetener and nut or seed butter in a medium mixing bowl.
Step 2: Stir in remaining ingredients.
Step 3: Press batter firmly into an 8x8 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm (1-2 hours).
Step 4: Slice into bars and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- The batter should be sticky and easy to press into the baking dish. If the mixture is not sticking together easily, add more honey or nut butter.
- Press the mixture very firmly into the pan.
- Make sure to refrigerate these bars for at least an hour before cutting into them! Ideally overnight.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This keeps the bars firmest. I like to wrap the bars individually in parchment paper to make them easy to grab on the go!
Recipe FAQs
No, not all granola bars are gluten-free. They need to be specifically labeled gluten-free. If you are making them at home, you must also use gluten-free oats!
Make sure the dough is sticky before you press it into the pan. If it is not sticky, add more nut/seed butter. Press very firmly and make sure you refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours before cutting.
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these delicious gluten-free recipes next:
If you make these homemade gluten-free granola bars and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
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Homemade Gluten-Free Granola Bars
Equipment
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 parchment sheet
- 1 8x8 baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup nut butter or sunflower seed butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 2 cups oats
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/8 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine nut butter and sweetener in a bowl.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Press mixture firmly into a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate until firm (at least 1-2 hours).
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Notes
- The batter should be sticky and easy to press into the baking dish. If the mixture is not sticking together easily, add more honey or nut butter.
- Press the mixture very firmly into the pan.
- Make sure to refrigerate these bars for at least an hour before cutting into them! Ideally overnight.
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