Easy gluten free bars are the perfect treat when you crave something sweet and satisfying. These aren’t just ordinary gluten free bars; they’re a testament to the fact that great flavor and simple ingredients can create something truly special. From the inviting aroma while they bake to the delightful taste with every bite, these easy gluten free bars are a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
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The memory of my grandmother sneaking me a homemade cookie before dinner always brings a smile to my face. It’s that same feeling of warmth and comforting indulgence that I wanted to capture in this recipe. These easy gluten free bars deliver that in spades, even if you’re new to gluten free baking.
Why You Will Love This easy gluten free bars Recipe
These easy gluten free bars are a home run for so many reasons! First and foremost, they are unbelievably easy to make. Forget complicated recipes with dozens of steps. These bars come together quickly with minimal effort.
They’re wonderfully comforting, reminding you of classic baked goods without any gluten. The flavor is rich and satisfying, a blend of warm spices and sweet goodness that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, they’re perfect for busy schedules, needing only 35 minutes from start to finish.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy gluten free recipes!
And if you’re looking for more variations, check out this version of Easy Gluten Free Bars 6!
Ingredients Needed for This easy gluten free bars Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these easy gluten free bars:
- For the Crust:
- For the Filling:
How to Make This easy gluten free bars Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the gluten free flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2. Press the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- 3. Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, in a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- 4. Assemble the Bars: Once the crust is lightly golden, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the baked crust. Gently press down to compact the filling.
- 5. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are set.
- 6. Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting them into squares or bars. This ensures clean cuts and prevents crumbling. Enjoy your delicious gluten free treat!
How to Serve This easy gluten free bars Recipe
These easy gluten free bars are versatile! Enjoy them as a midday snack, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a delightful dessert, especially warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
For a brunch gathering, cut them into smaller squares and arrange them artfully on a platter with fresh fruit. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance.
How to Store This easy gluten free bars Recipe
Store leftover easy gluten free bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make This easy gluten free bars Recipe
- Make sure your butter is cold when preparing the crust. This creates a flakier, more tender base.
- Don’t overbake the crust or the filling. Overbaking can result in dry, hard bars.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips in the filling.
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan and cook until it turns a nutty brown color. Let it cool slightly before using.
Helpful Notes for This easy gluten free bars Recipe
The key to successful gluten free baking is using a good quality gluten free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which acts as a binder and helps prevent the bars from crumbling.
If you can’t find gluten free certified oats, use regular rolled oats. While oats are naturally gluten free, they are often processed in facilities that also handle gluten containing grains.
Variation of This easy gluten free bars Recipe
For a chocolatey twist, add a layer of melted chocolate over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated flavor.
For a seasonal variation, use pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice in the filling during the fall. In the summer, try adding fresh berries or citrus zest. You could also adapt this recipe for Easy Gluten Free Bars 4, keeping flexibility in mind.
What makes these gluten-free bars easy to make?
These gluten-free bars use simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, often requiring no baking time and minimal steps. This makes them a quick and hassle-free treat for any occasion.
What are some common gluten-free ingredients for bars?
Common gluten-free ingredients include gluten-free oat flour, almond flour, coconut flour, rice flour, and various nut butters. These ingredients provide structure and flavor while remaining gluten-free.
How can I store leftover gluten-free bars?
Store leftover gluten-free bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week, to maintain their freshness and texture. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I customize my easy gluten free bars with different add-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bars by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or even spices. This allows you to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Are easy gluten free bars healthy?
It depends on the ingredients. Using natural sweeteners and reducing added sugars can make them a healthier option, as well as incorporating nuts, seeds, and other nutrient-rich ingredients.
Conclusion
These easy gluten free bars are more than just a dessert. That’s why I am sharing this recipe; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection, one delicious bite at a time. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with loved ones, these bars are a must try for anyone seeking a simple, scrumptious, and gluten free treat. I am confident that you will love them. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or questions in the comments below! It’s time to enjoy some easy gluten free bars.
Easy Gluten Free Bars: The Ultimate No-Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
These easy gluten free bars are a delicious and simple treat made with gluten-free ingredients, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free all purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten free)
- 3/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 3/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (gluten free)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the gluten free flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, in a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Once the crust is lightly golden, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the baked crust. Gently press down to compact the filling.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting them into squares or bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: gluten-free, bars, easy, dessert, snack
