Gluten Free Chewy Playgroup Granola Bars

Perfect for busy mornings, snack time, or post-playgroup energy boosts, these Gluten-Free Chewy Playgroup Granola Bars are a wholesome treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Packed with nutrient-dense gluten-free rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, and naturally sweetened with honey, these bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and satisfying. The recipe offers customizable mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to cater to your family’s preferences. Better yet, they’re nut-free friendly with the option of sunflower seed butter, making them ideal for allergy-conscious households. With just 10 minutes of prep time and no baking required, these easy homemade granola bars are the ultimate grab-and-go snack for kids and adults alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup crispy gluten-free rice cereal
• 0.75 cup almond butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free option)
• 0.5 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
• 0.25 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• 0.25 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free rolled oats and crispy gluten-free rice cereal. If using mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, stir them into the dry mixture now.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine almond butter, honey, and coconut oil. Stir frequently until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.

Step 5

Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the oats and cereal mixture. Use a spatula to mix everything together thoroughly until the dry ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 6

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. It’s important to compact it well to ensure the bars hold together once set.

Step 7

Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the mixture is firm enough to slice.

Step 8

Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola bar block out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into 12 bars or desired shapes.

Step 9

Store the granola bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be individually wrapped in parchment paper for grab-and-go snacks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(755.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3471.9

Total Fat 176.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 45.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1373.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 417.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.9g	0%
Total Sugars 170.5g
Protein 83.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 632.2mg	0%
Iron 30.4mg	0%
Potassium 2454.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.2%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 46.5%