Gluten-Free Granola Bar Recipe (Nut-Free)

If you’ve been searching for a simple, no-fuss gluten-free snack that your kids will actually eat- and that won’t crumble into a mess – this easy Gluten-Free Granola Bar recipe is a winner. They’re chewy, lightly sweet, and packed with kid-friendly dried fruit and seeds. Even better, they’re nut-free, freezer-friendly, and perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

No need for complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients – this recipe uses everyday pantry staples and comes together quickly in one bowl. Whether you’re baking for the week ahead or looking for a homemade alternative to packaged bars, this one’s a go-to!

Gluten Free Granola Bar Recipe

Why These Gluten-Free Granola Bars Are a Great Snack Option

  • Nut-free and school safe
  • Gluten-free and made with pantry staples
  • Chewy, sweet, and satisfying – but not overly sugary
  • Easy to customise with what you have on hand
  • Freezer-friendly and perfect for lunchbox prep
Gluten Free Granola Bars

Ingredients To Make Gluten-Free Granola Bars

  • 115g butter (or 1/2 cup)
  • 1/3 cup (75g) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1.5 cups gluten-free cornflakes (or puffed rice cereal)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) gluten-free self-raising/self rising flour
    • If using gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour, just add 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit of choice)
  • 1/4 cup (50g) pepitas
  • 1/4 cup (35g) sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup (25g) shredded or desiccated coconut
Ingredients To Make Gluten-Free Granola Bars

How To Make Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Such an easy one-bowl recipe to make!

Step 1: Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a slice or bar tin (around 20×30 cm works well for this quantity).

Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar and honey. Microwave in 30-second bursts until melted (it will take about 1.5–2 minutes total), stirring well between each burst. Alternatively, you can use a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together the butter, brown sugar, and honey until melted and smooth. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3: Add in all the remaining ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.

How to make gluten free granola bars
How to make gluten free granola bars homemade

Step 4: Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon, or pressing the mixture down with a sheet of extra baking paper.

Step 5: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Step 6: Allow to cool completely in the tin before slicing into 20 bars (don’t skip the cooling completely in the tin!)

Easy Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Storage Instructions

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze: place cut bars in a container with baking paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Simply pop into the lunchbox in the morning – they’ll be thawed and ready by snack time.

Substitutions & Swaps

  • Swap dried apricots for dates, raisins, or chopped dried apple.
  • Use puffed rice cereal instead of cornflakes if you prefer a lighter texture.
  • Replace the dried fruit/seeds/coconut mix with 3 cups of oat-free toasted muesli for a different version.
  • Want to add flavour? Try a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract.

Make It Work for Your Gluten-Free Family

This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customise depending on what your kids love (or hate) – or what you need to use up. You can pack these into school lunchboxes, serve them as after-school snacks, or keep them stashed in the freezer for busy days.

They’re also a great recipe to bake with kids – it’s just mix, press, bake. No electric mixers or special equipment needed.

Gluten Free Granola Bars For Lunchboxes

More Gluten-Free Lunchbox Favourites:

Easy Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Gluten-Free Granola Bar Recipe (Nut-Free)

These gluten-free granola bars are the ultimate kid-friendly snack! Nut-free, chewy, and easy to customise, they’re perfect for lunchboxes or freezer prep. Made with cornflakes, dried fruit, and seeds.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Snack
Western
lunch-box, snack
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 20 squares

Equipment

  • Microwave or stovetop
  • Oven

Ingredients 

  • ½ cup (115 g) butter
  • cup (75 g) brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • cups gluten-free cornflakes
  • ½ cup (75 g) gluten-free self-rising/self-raising flour, If using gluten-free plain/all-purpose flour, you will need to add 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit of choice)
  • ¼ cup (50 g) pepitas
  • ¼ cup (35 g) sunflower seeds
  • cup (25 g) shredded or desiccated coconut

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a slice or bar tin (around 20×30 cm).
  • In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, sugar and honey. Microwave in 30-second bursts until melted (about 1.5–2 minutes total), stirring well between each burst. Alternatively, in a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together the butter, brown sugar, and honey until melted and smooth. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
  • Add in all the remaining ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Press the mixture firmly into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon, or by using an extra sheet of baking paper and pressing down firmly.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  • Allow to cool completely in the tin before slicing into 20 bars.

Recipe Notes:

Storage Instructions

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze: place cut bars in a container with baking paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Simply pop into the lunchbox in the morning – they’ll be thawed and ready by snack time.

Substitutions & Swaps

  • Swap dried apricots for dates, raisins, or chopped dried apple.
  • Use puffed rice cereal instead of cornflakes if you prefer a lighter texture.
  • Replace the dried fruit/seeds/coconut mix with 3 cups of oat-free toasted muesli for a different version.
  • Want to add flavour? Try a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 118kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 268IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Did you make this recipe?

Mention us @theglutenfreekids or tag us using #theglutenfreekids so we can see your creations! You can also leave a comment below!

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2 Comments

5 from 1 vote

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