Hearty Gluten-Free Chewy Granola Bars for Playdates
These Hearty Gluten-Free Chewy Granola Bars are the perfect snack for your next playdate! Bursting with wholesome ingredients, they offer a chewy texture that kids and adults alike will love. Made with gluten-free oats and a blend of nourishing seeds, these bars are not only delicious but also customizable; feel free to swap in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Whether you're packing lunches, hosting a gathering, or simply crave a nutritious treat, these granola bars will satisfy your hunger and keep everyone energized for fun activities.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
rolled oats
2 cups (Ensure they are gluten-free.)
packed brown sugar
3/4 cup
ground flax seeds
1/2 cup
ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon (Optional)
gluten-free all-purpose flour
1 cup (I recommend using Gluten Free Mama's coconut blend.)
raisins
1/2 cup (Alternatively, use other dried fruits or chocolate chips.)
salt
3/4 teaspoon
honey
1/2 cup (You can substitute with 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of corn syrup.)
beaten egg
1
vegetable oil
1/2 cup
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or a cookie sheet generously to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, packed brown sugar, ground flax seeds, ground cinnamon (if using), gluten-free flour, raisins (or other mix-ins), and salt. Stir the dry ingredients until evenly combined.
3
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the honey, beaten egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Use your hands to mix everything together until it forms a cohesive, sticky mixture. If the mixture is too crumbly and not holding together, add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind it.
4
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom, ensuring it is smooth on top.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
6
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, cut into bars with a sharp knife. Make sure to cut before they completely cool, as they will harden and become difficult to cut.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, they are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
What type of oats should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of rolled oats; ensure they are labeled gluten-free.
What type of gluten-free flour is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a coconut blend, specifically Gluten Free Mama's gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Can I substitute the raisins?
Yes, you can swap raisins for other dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.
How do I prevent the granola bars from being too crumbly?
If the mixture is too crumbly, you can add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients together.
Can I replace the honey in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of honey with a mixture of 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup corn syrup.
What size pan should I use for baking?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking pan or a cookie sheet, greased generously.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do these granola bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
When should I cut the granola bars?
Allow the bars to cool for about 5 minutes after baking, then cut them with a sharp knife while they are still warm.
Why must the bars be cut while they are still warm?
They should be cut while warm because they will harden as they cool, making them difficult to cut later.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan generously to prevent the sticky granola mixture from sticking to the bottom.
Is ground cinnamon required for this recipe?
No, the ground cinnamon is optional, though it adds flavor.
What are the primary dry ingredients?
The dry ingredients include rolled oats, brown sugar, ground flax seeds, gluten-free flour, and salt.
What are the primary wet ingredients?
The wet ingredients consist of honey, a beaten egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
Is it necessary to mix the ingredients by hand?
Yes, the recipe recommends using your hands to mix until a cohesive, sticky mixture forms.
Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
Yes, chocolate chips can be added for a sweet twist.
What color should the bars be when they are done?
The edges of the bars should be golden brown when they are finished baking.
Are these granola bars suitable for kids?
Yes, they are designed as a hearty snack for playdates and activities.
What texture can I expect from these bars?
These granola bars have a chewy and hearty texture.
How much brown sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
How much flax seed is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of ground flax seeds.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Can I use a cookie sheet instead of a 9x13 pan?
Yes, a cookie sheet is an acceptable alternative as long as it is well-greased.
Should the mixture be pressed into the pan?
Yes, you should press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binder for the oats and other dry ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients listed for these granola bars.
Are these bars considered a healthy snack?
Yes, they are made with wholesome ingredients like oats and flax seeds to keep you energized.
Is the salt amount significant?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
Can this recipe be easily customized?
Yes, it is highly customizable; you can swap in your favorite dried fruits, nuts, or seeds.