Gluten Free Granola Bars

I love granola bars and they really are a great invention. They’re so nice for when you’re in a hurry or on the go, just grab one and you’ve got a great snack or meal. This is my first attempt at granola bars and I was happy with it but I’m sure I’ll try some other recipes and combos to see if there’s something better out there. My boy was all over them and after eating a large dinner he still ate a whole granola bar. I was impressed since he usually snuffs granola bars. Does it make me a bad mom to want to use this as lunch options for my kids? The chocolate doesn't really make them that bad does it? The nice thing is you can make this with whatever your favorite combinations are so the sky is the limit.

Granola Bars
Adapted from All Recipes

2 C GF oatmeal
¾ C brown sugar, packed
½ C cream of buckwheat (you can get this at Lee & Dad’s IGA in the cereal aisle)
¾ t cinnamon
1 C GF flour (I used Gluten Free Mama’s Almond flour, use whatever you like)
1 t xanthan gum
¾ C raisins
¾ C chocolate chips (Use DF if needed)
¾ t salt
½ C honey or agave nectar
1 egg, beaten
½ C vegetable oil (I used melted butter without a problem)
2 t vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 F and grease a 9x13 baking pan.

In a large bowl mix together the oats, brown sugar, cream of buckwheat, cinnamon, flour, xanthan gum, raisins, chocolate chips, and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the honey, egg, oil, and vanilla. Mix well using your hands or a large spatula. Pat the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes. You want the bars to turn golden at the edges but don’t overcook or they will get too hard. Cool for about 5 minutes then cut into bars while they’re still warm.

For variations you can add M&Ms, cranberries, peanuts, nuts, trail mix, coconut, or anything else you may like. There really is no limit.

ETA: Our favorite is a peanut butter granola bar, everything is the same but I add a 1/2 C of peanut butter. It will be really sticky when you level it out in the pan but it's so good.