Homemade gluten-free vegan granola bars are easy to make and much healthier than store-bought varieties.
I’ve been experimenting over the past several months with gluten-free baking, and it’s more complicated than I anticipated. The flours are all very particular and yield quite different results. Because I’m stubborn, I keep trying to create my own recipes instead of adapting from others. There have been many failed muffin attempts. It’s very frustrating, but I do like a challenge.
One recipe that I’ve successfully adapted is my vegan granola bars. Gluten-free oats are technically the same as regular oats, but they’re processed in a gluten-free facility. These gluten-free vegan granola bars are delicious and if you’re trying to follow a gluten-free diet, they’re a great snack or breakfast option. I swapped out a lot of other ingredients in this version and added some fun extras. The figs and dates are chewy and sweet. The cacao nibs add a touch of chocolate flavor and crunch. You can easily swap out the Earth Balance for regular butter if you just want a vegetarian bar. Enjoy!
Gluten-Free Vegan Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats (I use Bob's Red Mill)
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup sugar (depends how sweet you want them)
- 1/3 cup oat flour (or gluten free flour of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup dried figs
- 1/2 cup medjool dates
- 1/2 cup unsalted cashews
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup cacao nibs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 tablespoons melted Earth Balance or coconut oil
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- 1/2 cup almond butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. Line a 9×9 brownie pan with parchment paper (allow two sides to hang over the edges for easy removal) and lightly grease with either cooking spray or Earth Balance.
- Coarsely chop the cashews, figs and dates. Keep in mind that the bars hold together better and are easier to cut when the pieces are smaller.
- In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
- In a smaller bowl, combine wet ingredients except for the almond butter.
- Combine the wet ingredients into the dry along with the almond butter. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly combined.
- Move the ingredients into the greased pan. Use plastic wrap to very firmly press the mixture down evenly so that it’s in the corners and flat on top.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes. Look for browning around the edges.
- After removing from the oven, allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes on a cooling rack, then finish cooling in the refrigerator until chilled.
- Use a knife or bench scraper to make 8 rectangle or 9 square bars. Wrap individually and chill.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Cookin' Canuck says
I have yet to dive into gluten-free baking, but these granola bars are tempting me to do so. What fantastic flavors and textures in these bars. They would be perfect for pre-run fueling.
Bam's Kitchen says
I like the addition of figs and dates and also on the look out for some good gluten free breakfast on the go options.
Cassie Laemmli ( says
These look amazing. I love granola bars and love that they are gluten free. Beautiful!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These look amazing, I’ll have to pass this on to some GF friends!
2 Rivers Photos says
The picture is amazing… and thanks for the recipe :)
Just A Smidgen says
I’m bookmarking this one.. although I’m not gluten-free, I’m thinking it’s time to experiment with a few of these recipes for my G-free friends. This is the perfect one to start with:) xo Smidge
daisy says
I am in awe of you and others who develop recipes. Good for you. Thanks for sharing this recipe. I have to try it next time I make something for my nieces who have celiac.
daisy
Mama's Gotta Bake says
I love the array of healthy ingredients! I can’t wait to give them a try!
Averie says
absolutely gorgeous! the recipe and the pics! just saw them on FG!
glutenfreehappytummy says
those look SOOO delicious! and gorgeous too! i’ll definitely need to try these! thanks for sharing!
ceciliag says
I love these.. and your photo is beautiful! c
rumpydog says
yum! gotta try this recipe!
Ally Kayler says
Can’t believe how delicious these look!
xo
thekalechronicles says
Lots of good things in these and they look great in the photo.
Christine says
I like that you like a challenge! Your efforts are paying off, because these look dense and delicious! :D