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Deliciously Chewy No-Bake Chocolate Granola Bars: Gluten-Free, Vegan & Allergy-Friendly

Craving a wholesome, satisfying snack that’s packed with flavor and goodness? Look no further than these incredibly easy, homemade granola bars! They’re designed to quell your chocolate cravings while offering a host of dietary adaptations, making them perfect for almost everyone. Whether you’re tucking them into school lunches, grabbing a quick bite on the go, or simply need a delicious and healthy pick-me-up, these chewy granola bars are your ideal companion. Best of all, they’re nut-free and allergy-friendly, loaded with nourishing ingredients like honey, oats, coconut oil, hemp seeds, and flax seeds. Plus, we provide clear options to make them completely gluten-free and vegan, ensuring inclusivity for all dietary needs.

Our Journey to Allergy-Friendly Oats

For those new to our story, you might not know that my son faced a rare allergic condition called Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) at just one year old, which left him with only ten safe foods. It was a challenging time, filled with prayers and hope for recovery. Thankfully, over the years, he has steadily regained more and more foods, slowly expanding his diet and our culinary horizons.

Among the foods I most fervently wished for him to reintroduce were oats. For years, I dreamt of the day we could enjoy oats again. This humble grain is truly fabulous – it’s incredibly filling, wonderfully delicious, and even provides a decent amount of protein. Oats are a staple in many households for good reason, and their absence was deeply felt in ours.

This past August, our prayers were answered when he finally outgrew his oat allergy! We’ve been celebrating this wonderful milestone by indulging in every type of oat recipe imaginable. I’m excited to gradually add more of our favorite oat-based recipes to my site as we discover them. One recipe we’ve particularly fallen in love with is this gluten-free oat muffin recipe, made with ripe bananas and chocolate chips, and so easy it can even be whipped up in a blender!

Of course, a quintessential oat recipe is the granola bar. It was at the very top of our list to try once oats were back on the menu. But I wasn’t looking for just *any* granola bar recipe. I wanted something specific: chewy, no-bake, and, most importantly, loaded with chocolate. And I don’t mean just a few token sprinkles of chocolate chips; I wanted *double* chocolate! My vision was a bar where everything was coated in rich cocoa, *plus* an abundance of chocolate chips. Given our family’s allergies, it was crucial that these be nut-free granola bars, but as you’ll soon discover, this recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to various dietary needs.

How Do You Make Granola Bars No-Bake?

One of the best features of this recipe is that it requires absolutely no baking! This means you won’t have to heat up your kitchen, which is a huge plus during warmer months, nor will you need to wait for your oven to preheat. The secret to creating perfectly cohesive, chewy granola bars without baking lies in how the wet ingredients are prepared.

By melting all the liquid components together on the stovetop, you achieve a few crucial things. First, the heat helps to dissolve the brown sugar, preventing a gritty texture and ensuring a smoother, more integrated binder. Second, this melting process creates a thick, syrupy coating that thoroughly envelops the dry ingredients. This coating is what acts as the “glue,” allowing the granola mixture to stick together firmly as it cools, resulting in a delightfully chewy bar without the need for oven heat. It’s an incredibly simple technique that saves time and energy, making these no-bake granola bars a go-to recipe for busy individuals and families alike.

How Do You Make Easy Gluten-Free Granola Bars?

Granola bars are inherently a straightforward recipe, and when you opt for the no-bake method, they become even simpler. Achieving delicious gluten-free chewy granola bars is just as easy with a few key ingredient swaps. Here’s the basic, user-friendly process:

• First, gather all your dry ingredients and simply stir them together in a large bowl. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures.
• Next, in a separate saucepan, melt all the liquid ingredients over gentle heat on the stovetop. This creates the binding agent for your bars.
• Once the wet ingredients are melted and smooth, pour them over the dry mixture. Stir immediately and thoroughly until every dry particle is coated and the mixture is uniformly combined.
• Finally, press the mixture firmly into a greased cookie sheet. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into bars and enjoy your delicious, homemade creation!

To ensure your granola bars are genuinely gluten-free, simply swap out regular oats for certified gluten-free oats. Additionally, make sure your crispy rice cereal is a gluten-free variety, such as Malt-o-Meal brand. These small adjustments make a big difference for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, without compromising on taste or texture.

Is This a Healthy Granola Bar Recipe?

Absolutely, I believe this is a truly healthy granola bar recipe, especially when compared to many store-bought options that are often laden with excessive processed sugars and artificial ingredients. My recipe prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense components, relying primarily on honey for sweetness, which also offers natural enzymes and antioxidants. While there is some brown sugar, the overall sugar content is much lower than commercial alternatives, and you have complete control over the amounts.

Let’s break down the goodness: oats provide a fantastic source of soluble fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. The inclusion of peanut butter or a seed butter (like SunButter) contributes essential protein, helping to stabilize blood sugar and provide sustained energy. Hemp seeds are a powerhouse of essential fatty acids, including Omega-3s and Omega-6s, crucial for brain health and reducing inflammation. Ground flax seeds further boost the nutritional profile with additional fiber and lignans, which are potent antioxidants. By incorporating these ingredients, these granola bars tick many boxes for a genuinely better-for-you snack.

If you prefer even less processed sugar, you can experiment with adjusting the brown sugar and honey ratios to perfectly match your taste preferences. Overall, I feel completely confident and guilt-free when my kids and I enjoy these chewy granola bars. Knowing exactly what goes into them – and seeing the variety added to our diet with ingredients like hemp and flax seeds, which we might not consume daily – makes them a smart and delicious choice for a wholesome snack.

Is This a Vegan Granola Bar Recipe?

Yes, this versatile recipe can effortlessly be transformed into vegan granola bars with just a couple of simple swaps:

• Instead of honey, use the same amount of maple syrup. Maple syrup provides a delicious, natural sweetness that is completely plant-based.
• Ensure that the chocolate chips you use are certified vegan and dairy-free. Brands like Enjoy Life offer excellent dairy-free chocolate chip options.

With these easy substitutions, you’ll have delicious, chewy granola bars that are 100% vegan, perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet!

Can I Interchange Peanut Butter for a Seed Butter in This Granola Bar Recipe?

Absolutely, and we frequently do! In our home, due to severe peanut and tree nut allergies, we exclusively use SunButter in our granola bars. This not only makes them safe for our family but also brings a significant benefit if you’re sending them to school or any nut-free environment: you won’t have to worry about cross-contamination or potential allergic reactions among classmates.

SunButter is widely available and easy to find at major retailers like Wal-Mart, Smith’s, and online via Amazon. I personally prefer to use the natural variety of SunButter because its consistency is slightly less thick, making it easier to stir into the mixture and achieve that perfectly cohesive coating. If you don’t have nut allergies, almond butter would also be a delicious alternative.

This recipe is quite forgiving, so if you find that your chosen nut or seed butter has a runnier or thicker consistency than traditional peanut butter, you can slightly adjust the quantity. Add a little more for runnier butters to ensure the mixture binds well, or a little less for thicker butters to keep it easily stirrable. The goal is a thick, yet manageable, coating that binds all the dry ingredients together beautifully.

Are Rice Krispies Gluten-Free?

This is a common and important question for those with gluten sensitivities. Unfortunately, Kellogg’s brand Rice Krispies are typically not gluten-free because they contain malt, which is derived from barley and therefore contains gluten. While I use the general term “rice krispies” in the recipe for familiarity, it’s crucial for those needing a gluten-free option to choose a certified gluten-free brand.

For our allergy-friendly kitchen, I specifically purchase Malt-O-Meal Crispy Rice, which is certified gluten-free. This ensures our granola bars are safe for gluten-intolerant individuals. This brand is also perfect for my allergy-friendly rice krispies treats, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice classic favorites to accommodate dietary needs.

Can This Granola Bar Recipe Be Allergy-Friendly and Top 8 Free Too?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed with adaptability in mind, making it remarkably easy to create chewy granola bars that are not only allergy-friendly but can also be free of the top 8 most common allergens (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish). To achieve this comprehensive allergy-friendly status, simply implement these strategic ingredient substitutions:

• For gluten-free needs, use certified gluten-free oats. This ensures no cross-contamination from wheat processing.
• To make them nut-free, opt for SunButter or another trusted seed butter instead of peanut or tree nut butters.
• Ensure your crispy rice cereal is a gluten-free version, such as the Malt-O-Meal brand, to avoid hidden gluten from malt.
• Select allergy-friendly chocolate chips that are free from dairy, soy, and nuts, such as those from the Enjoy Life brand.

By making these straightforward swaps, you can confidently create delicious granola bars that are safe and enjoyable for individuals with a wide range of food allergies, just like our family. It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone can indulge in a tasty, homemade treat without worry.

What Types of Oats Are Best for Granola Bar Recipes?

When it comes to crafting the perfect granola bar, the type of oats you choose can significantly impact the texture and integrity of the finished product. Generally, you’ll encounter two main types of oats: quick oats and old-fashioned rolled oats. For this chewy granola bar recipe, I highly recommend using **old-fashioned rolled oats**.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are larger, thicker flakes that provide a heartier texture and a more substantial “mouthfeel” in the bars. Their robust structure helps the bars hold together better and contributes to that desirable chewy consistency we’re aiming for. Quick oats, while convenient, are cut into smaller pieces and are more processed, which can result in a softer, almost mushy texture in a no-bake bar. For a truly satisfying and sturdy granola bar, old-fashioned rolled oats are the superior choice.

If you need this recipe to be a gluten-free granola bar, it is absolutely essential to use certified gluten-free oats to avoid cross-contamination with wheat. However, if I’m simply blending oats to create my own oat flour, such as for these Gluten & Dairy Free Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, then either quick oats or old-fashioned oats will work equally well since they are just being ground down into a fine flour.

Are Oats Naturally Gluten-Free?

This is a common question with a nuanced answer. Technically, yes, oats are naturally gluten-free. However, the critical issue arises during processing. A significant amount of commercially available oats are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye – all of which contain gluten. This shared equipment can lead to cross-contamination, where trace amounts of gluten-containing grains mix with the oats.

For individuals who must strictly avoid gluten due to conditions like Celiac Disease or a severe wheat allergy, cross-contamination is a serious concern. In these cases, it is imperative to use certified gluten-free oats. Certification means that the oats have been grown, harvested, and processed under strict protocols to prevent any contact with gluten-containing grains. These companies implement rigorous cleaning procedures and testing to ensure their oats remain safely gluten-free.

For those who do not have a severe gluten sensitivity, regular oats might be acceptable. Always choose what works best and is safest for your individual dietary needs and health requirements.

Are Chocolate Chips Dairy-Free?

Most standard, conventional chocolate chips found in typical grocery stores are unfortunately not dairy-free. They commonly contain milk solids, milk fat, or other dairy derivatives, which also means they are not vegan. For anyone with a dairy allergy, lactose intolerance, or those following a vegan diet, it’s essential to seek out specialty brands that explicitly state their chocolate chips are dairy-free.

We are big fans of Enjoy Life chocolate chips. They are specifically formulated to be free from common allergens, including dairy, nuts, and soy. While they are becoming more widely available in mainstream supermarkets like Wal-Mart, if you can’t find them locally, they are always readily accessible online through retailers like Amazon. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure your chocolate chips meet your dietary requirements.

How Do You Store Homemade Granola Bars?

Proper storage is key to maintaining the delicious chewiness and freshness of your homemade granola bars. Thankfully, this particular recipe is quite resilient and stays wonderfully chewy even when left out at room temperature for a short period. For the first day or so after making them, I often leave the entire pan lightly covered with wax paper or plastic wrap on the countertop. This makes them easily accessible for quick snacking.

For longer storage and ultimate convenience, once we’ve enjoyed a few bars, I’ll portion out each individual bar. You can either wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or drop them into small, sealable plastic baggies. This makes them perfectly portable and ideal for grab-and-go situations – whether you’re packing school lunches, heading out for an errand, or need a quick pre-workout snack. Stored this way at room temperature, the bars will maintain their freshness and chewiness for up to one week.

While I haven’t personally needed to freeze these granola bars because they disappear so quickly in our household, I believe they would freeze beautifully. If you wish to prepare a large batch far in advance, simply wrap the individual bars securely and freeze them. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. This is a great meal prep strategy for busy weeks!

What Ingredients Do You Need for These Allergy-Friendly Granola Bars?

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful and adaptable granola bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brown sugar
• Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
• Coconut oil
• Salt
• SunButter/Peanut Butter/or your favorite nut butter (choose seed butter for nut-free)
• Vanilla extract
• Crispy rice cereal (ensure it’s gluten-free if needed, like Malt-o-Meal brand)
• Old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
• Ground flax seeds
• Hemp hearts
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Chocolate chips (ensure they are vegan and dairy-free if needed)

If You’re Looking for More Homemade Healthy Snacks, Try These:

• Nut-free Trail Mix
• Allergy-Friendly Snacks (a list of all store-bought items!)
• Vegan Muffins (can be gluten-free too!)
• Gluten-Free School Lunch Ideas (plus free of other allergens!)

Deliciously Chewy No-Bake Chocolate Granola Bars (Gluten-Free & Vegan Options)

Yield:
27 granola bars

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Additional Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes

An easy, homemade, no-bake granola bar recipe that satisfies chocolate cravings and makes a large batch! These chewy granola bars are nut-free and allergy-friendly, packed with nutritious ingredients like honey, oats, coconut oil, hemp seeds, and flax seeds. Includes clear options for gluten-free and vegan variations.

Ingredients

• 4 cups crispy rice cereal (use Malt-O-Meal brand for gluten-free version)
• 2 and 2/3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup hemp hearts
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1 and 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan version)
• 1 cup SunButter/peanut butter/nut butter (use SunButter for nut-free)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Chocolate chips to taste (use vegan/dairy-free chocolate chips if needed)

Instructions

1. Grease a cookie sheet pan (an 18×13 inch half sheet pan is ideal) with a non-stick spray (we use canola).
2. In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, oats, ground flax seeds, and hemp hearts. Stir thoroughly to combine and then set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), SunButter (or other butter), brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir frequently until all ingredients are completely melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. The mixture will be thick and well combined. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Immediately pour the hot melted mixture over the dry cereal mixture in the large bowl. Stir continuously and quickly until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated and evenly distributed with the chocolatey binder.
5. Transfer the combined mixture onto the greased cookie sheet. Using hands lightly greased with non-stick spray, gently but firmly press the mixture down until it forms an even, flat layer across the entire pan.
6. Next, sprinkle your desired amount of chocolate chips evenly over the top surface of the pressed granola bars.
7. Measure out a piece of wax paper large enough to cover the entire 13×9 inch surface of the granola bars. Place the wax paper on top, then use another flat pan (like a baking sheet) or a sturdy cutting board to firmly press down on the wax paper. This action will embed the chocolate chips securely into the granola bar mixture, ensuring they stick as the bars cool.
8. Allow the granola bars to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for them to set properly and achieve their chewy texture.
9. Once fully cooled and set, use a sharp knife to make three cuts across the width and nine cuts across the length of the pan to create 27 evenly sized bars.
10. To store, you can either keep the wax paper or plastic wrap on top of the entire pan and cut as needed, or separate the bars individually. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or place them into sealable plastic baggies. These delicious bars will keep fresh and chewy for up to one week at room temperature.

Notes

For answers to frequently asked questions and more tips, please refer to the detailed sections above within the post!

Adapted from the fabulous Clean Monday Meals’ Granola Bars

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Bellemain Heavy Duty Aluminum Half Sheet Pan, 18″ x 13″ x 1″
• Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper, 75 Square Feet

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 27 bars
Serving Size: 1 bar

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 412Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 106mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 9gSugar: 9gProtein: 15g

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