Fully Loaded Gluten-Free Granola Bars

These Fully Loaded Gluten-Free Granola Bars are full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats that will help keep you full longer. Perfect for after-school snacks or lunchbox treats!  

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Udi’s® Gluten Free. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to learn more about ancient grains with Udi’s® Gluten Free. We don’t live a Gluten-Free lifestyle (unless you count those 6 weeks my husband tried to live “Paleo”), but while none of us have an intolerance or serious sensitivity to it, we do make efforts to limit our consumption as part of a varied diet.  

These foods not only pack a serious health punch, but they also help you stay full and satisfied since they’re loaded with fiber, protein, iron and more.  They also help curb weight gain since they’re great at satiating appetite.  

Even if you’re not living a gluten-free lifestyle, replacing refined grains with whole grains like the ones found in Udi’s® Ancient Grain products can benefit your whole family. Ancient grains can be included in any dish where you would normally use rice or oats.  

These Fully Loaded Gluten-Free Granola Bars are full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats that will help keep you full longer, which makes them perfect for after school snacks or lunchbox treats. Oats have a good reputation of being heart-healthy, fiber-filled and gluten-free (check your labels, this applies to most varieties!). They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals and are a good source of protein.  

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Granola Bars 

Unlike most homemade granola bar recipes, these are made with steel cut oats. The steel cut oats make the bars ultra chewy and keep you fuller for longer (in my experience). 

To make the steel cut oats breakfast bars, you’ll need: 

• Udi’s Steel Cut Oats with Flax, Chia, and Currants
• Raw sunflower seeds
• Honey
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• Mini chocolate chips (optional) 

How to Make Baked Granola Bars

I prefer baking these healthy homemade granola bars as it helps them set and makes them easier to pack for lunch. Here are the basic steps to making full loaded gluten-free granola bars at home: 

1. Spread the oats and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet.
2. Place in the oven and toast at 350F for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
4. Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300F.
5. Immediately add the oat mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.
6. Turn mixture out into an 8×8-inch baking dish and press down to evenly distribute.
7. Top with chocolate chips (if using) and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

How to Store Homemade Granola Bars

Store these homemade gluten-free granola bars  in an airtight container for up to a week.

Can I Use Different Mix-Ins? 

Yes, you can use any combination of finely chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruit that you like. Even shredded coconut, like in my homemade granola, would be yummy! Just use the ratios listed in the recipe card below. 

Tips for Making Baked Granola Bars 

• This recipe can easily be doubled and baked in a 9×13-inch baking dish. 
• Make sure to line the baking dish with parchment paper, otherwise you’ll have trouble getting the granola bars out! 
• I’ve only made this easy granola bar recipe with steel cut oats, but I bet you could use old-fashioned oats as well. 

More Healthy Snack Recipes: 

• Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars
• Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix
• No-Bake Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites
• Sweet and Spicy Almonds
• Mixed Berry Homemade Fruit Leather

To find out more about Udi’s® Gluten Free visit their website here and follow them on Twitter.