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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.

homemade gluten free granola bars tied with a string

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) 
top view of gluten free granola bars , sliced on a cutting board

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: 

Fully Loaded Gluten-Free Granola Bars

3.84 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 341kcal
Author: Emily Grace

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Udi’s Steel Cut Oats with Flax, Chia, and Currants
  • 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp mini chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

  • Line an 8×8 inch glass baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Spread the oats and sunflower seeds on a baking sheet.
  • Place in the oven and toast for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Cook until the brown sugar has completely dissolved.
  • Once the oat mixture is done, remove it from the oven and reduce the heat to 300 degrees.
  • Immediately add the oat mixture to the liquid mixture and stir to combine.
  • Turn mixture out into the prepared baking dish and press down to evenly distribute.
  • Top with chocolate chips and bake for 25 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before cutting in to squares.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Did you make this recipe? Mention @GraceGoodEats or tag #graceandgoodeats!

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

3.84 from 18 votes (16 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Stacy

Friday 9th of April 2021

I added an egg, chia seeds and did unreal quinoa candies. I replaced butter with coconut oil. They turned out pretty good! I also used just plain steel cut oats.

Leon

Monday 20th of January 2020

I made these bars and they were way too crunchy -- like the steel cut oats weren't cooked at all though I did follow the recipe to bake them, then cook them again with the rest of the ingredients. Do you have any recommendations to fix this, like should I soak the oats? It looks great and just what I want out of granola bars so I'd like to find a way to make these work.

K. Mastbaum

Saturday 27th of January 2018

These bars do look delicious! I agree the grains are a good choice which I use regularly. However Imust say though the amount of sugar and using butter take them off my healthy list.

Megin

Thursday 7th of January 2016

These look delicious! I am pinning to try them ~ I spend way too much on granola bars! I would love for you to join us and share each week at Brag About It link party on VMG206 (Mondays at Midnight). ~ Megin of VMG206

Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table

Wednesday 6th of January 2016

We're not gluten free either, but I also try to vary our diets and our sources of grains and seeds. I love that the oats here are so chock-full of goodness! And I'm all about some homemade granola bars - so much tastier than the store bought kind, and you get to control the ingredients. I'll have to check these out soon - such a delicious, wholesome snack!

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