These vegan, gluten-free granola bars will be your go-to for a quick snack, a packed lunch, or a grab-and-go option when you’re rushing out the door in the morning. They’re bursting with flavor from cranberries, pecans, and chocolate, while the oats provide fiber to keep you satisfied and support gut health.
Granola Bars Aren’t All The Same
Granola bars have been a snack staple for as long as I can remember. There are endless varieties out there, but unfortunately, the list of ingredients can be just as long. Many are loaded with sugar and preservatives designed for a long shelf life. These bars, on the other hand, are made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen—and I’m confident you can pronounce all of them!
Commercial options are also often pretty expensive. Have you ever paid a ridiculous amount for a granola bar at the airport because it was the only vegan option available when your flight was delayed? Yep—same.
Gluten-Free Granola Bars For The Win!
When I first started working on this recipe, I was using organic wheat flour. But then I decided to challenge myself to make a gluten-free version. Our daughter, along with several members of our extended family, has a gluten sensitivity. And they’re not alone—the number of people with gluten sensitivity is steadily rising, and about 1 in 133 people in the U.S. has celiac disease. Having solid gluten-free options is important!
Brown Rice Syrup Keeps It Together
This recipe uses brown rice syrup, which has a lower glycemic index than sugar (25 vs. 65). That means it has less impact on your blood sugar—no spike, no crash. What I love most about it, though, is how it gives the bars a wonderfully chewy texture and helps them hold together. That makes them super packable and portable.
These bars come together in under 10 minutes and bake in about 16. If you’re someone who preps meals for the week, this is a great, easy option to have on hand. If you’re struggling with what to pack in your kid’s lunchbox—this is a win. (I remember the struggle!) And if you’re heading to the airport, pack a few to take with you. That’s definitely my plan from now on!
These vegan, gluten-free granola bars will be your go-to for a quick snack, a packed lunch, or a grab-and-go option when you’re rushing out the door in the morning. They’re bursting with flavor from cranberries, pecans, and chocolate, while the oats provide fiber to keep you satisfied and support gut health.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
3cupsgluten free old-fashioned oats
2cupsunsweetened puffed rice cereal
1cupalmond flour
1/2cup chopped pecans
1/2cup dried cranberries
1/2cupvegan miniature chocolate chips
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1cupgluten free brown rice syrup
1/4cup melted, refined coconut oil or vegan butter
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a13x9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.
Combine the first 9 ingredients in a large bowl.
Whisk together the coconut oil, brown rice syrup and vanilla until well blended and pour over the dry ingredients
Mix thoroughly and press firmly into the pan. It will be sticky. Using a spatula can be helpful to get a nice flat surface.
Bake for 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
Cool completely before cutting with a sharp knife.
Notes
The dried fruit and nuts can be substituted with any combination, based on preference.
Check to make sure that your brown rice syrup is gluten free. Some brands have barley in them.
Georgia is an unpretentious foodie who, at 50, transitioned from a vegetarian diet to a whole foods plant based diet and is loving it. She works as a nurse, plays as a quilter, loves to run, hates to race.
She thinks dogs are actually angels (in dog suits).
Comments (0)