Are you on the hunt for a deliciously satisfying snack that’s both nut-free and gluten-free? Look no further! These Nut Free Gluten Free Cereal Protein Bars are the perfect solution for a quick energy boost, whether you need a pick-me-up during your busy day or a wholesome treat for your kids. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these chewy, flavorful bars in no time. Trust us, once you try them, you’ll want to keep a stash on hand at all times. Ready to discover the secret to this delightful snack? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Snack
Serves: 8 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free oats
- 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of gluten-free oats and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sunflower seed butter and 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to mix.
- Pour the sunflower seed butter and honey mixture into the bowl with the oats. Stir until the oats are fully coated with the mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries) and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to the oat mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure it is tightly packed to help the bars hold together.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into 8 equal pieces. This will help them firm up and hold their shape better.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness. Enjoy your nut-free, gluten-free cereal protein bars as a healthy snack!
Tips
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the dried fruit and chocolate chips for your favorites! Try adding nuts, seeds, or even coconut flakes for a unique twist.
- Press Firmly: When packing the mixture into the baking dish, make sure to press it down firmly. This will help the bars hold together once baked and make them easier to cut.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown edge after about 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and ensuring they don’t crumble apart.
- Storage Tips: Store your bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for even longer shelf life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
