Chewy Gluten-Free Cereal Bars

Becky avatarPublished by | Last updated 13th March, 2025
⏲️Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🙏Rating:

I love Gluten-free cereal bars. They are the perfect little snack to grab on the go, aren’t they? Chewy, crunchy, have them with fruit or not take your pick.

Chewy, crunchy, have them with fruit, without nuts, with chocolate topping, yoghurt dipped take your pick!

Gluten-free cereal bars have become a staple in many of our pantries, offering a delicious and convenient way to fuel up without worrying about any gluten-related fuss.

They are so versatile and are packed with fabulous ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier snack option.

Whether you’re dashing off to work or need a quick pick-me-up after a workout, these bars are just the ticket!

Gluten-Free Cereal Bars

What you’ll love about this recipe

Good on the gut: Gluten-free cereal bars are ideal for individuals with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity, as they eliminate the discomfort and potential damage caused by gluten consumption, ensuring better gut health and overall well-being.

Nutritous Ingredients: These bars often combine gluten-free whole grains like oats with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, providing a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which supports robust health.

Inclusive: Gluten-free cereal bars cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free options, making them accessible to a diverse audience and fostering a sense of community around mindful food choices.

Weight Management: The balanced composition of protein, beneficial fats, and dietary fiber in gluten-free cereal bars helps manage hunger effectively, supports stable blood sugar levels, and aids in maintaining sustainable eating habits.

Convenite: These bars are portable, easy to consume on the go, and provide sustained energy due to their mix of slow-releasing carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.

gluten free cereal bars in a tin

Ingredients

  • 600g Gluten-free cereal (I used Eat Natural)
  • 100g desiccated coconut
  • 100g Dates
  • 4 Tablespoons of honey
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped walnuts
  • Gluten-free chocolate (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Pan: Butter a 27cm x 20cm x 3cm Brownie tray.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free cereal, nuts, coconut and poppy seeds. Mix well.
  • Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the honey, dates and butter and heat through to melt the butter and soften the dates.
  • Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the honey and butter mixture over the cereal mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
  • Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking tray. Cover with another sheet of parchment paper and press firmly to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed and compact.
  • Chill and Cut: Allow the mixture to cool overnight in the fridge. Cut into bars. Optional Chocolate Topping- Melt additional dark chocolate and drizzle over the bars if desired. Let it set before serving.

gluten free cereal bars in sun

What to serve with Gluten-free Cereal Bars

  • Fresh Fruit: Sliced apples, bananas, or berries add natural sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast to the denser cereal bars.
  • Plant-Based Milk or Yogurt: Serve with a glass of almond milk, soy milk, or a dairy-free yogurt like coconut yogurt or strawberry Greek yogurt, which adds creaminess and supports a balanced snack.
  • Herbal Tea or Fresh Juice: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as peppermint or chamomile, or a glass of freshly squeezed juice, like orange or grapefruit, complements the flavours of the cereal bars.
  • Nuts or Seeds: A handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds provides additional crunch and nutritional value.
  • Smoothie: Blending your favorite fruits with a plant-based milk creates a smoothie that pairs well with the texture of cereal bars, offering a satisfying and filling snack.

gluten free cereal bars on slate

Are you ready to try my gluten-free cereal bars recipe? Let’s get started:

gluten free cereal bars

Chewy Gluten-free Cereal Bars

Avatar for BeckyBecky Terrell
I love Gluten-free cereal bars. They are just the perfect little snack to grab on the go, aren't they? And the best part is that they're no longer just for those with dietary restrictions.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine English
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 335 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 600 g Gluten-free cereal I used Eat Natrual
  • 100 g Dates cut into small chunks
  • 100 g Dried coconut
  • 50 g Unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 4 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
  • 1 tbsp Chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl mix the cereal, coconut, poppy seeds and walnuts.
  • In a saucepan, melt together the honey, cubed butter and chopped dates. This will take about three to five minutes. The dates will still be whole but softer.
  • Pour the butter mixture into the cereal and mix well so all the cereal gets coated.
  • Press the mixture firmly into a greased (with a little butter) brownie tray.
  • Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight if you have the time.
  • Cut into the desired size of bar. Keep the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 4mgPotassium: 114mgFiber: 6gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 105IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cereal bars
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

gluten free cereal bars on plate

Looking for some more breakfast ideas? Then why not check out these👇

Gluten-Free Cereal Bar Tips

Choose the Right Ingredients

Use gluten-free cereals like crisped rice or puffed rice to ensure the bars are safe for those with gluten intolerance.

Incorporate nuts and seeds like cashews, pistachios, sesame seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds for added texture and nutrition

Select dairy-free options like coconut oil and almond butter to cater to a broader dietary range

Binders and Sweeteners

Use natural sweeteners such as dates, honey, or maple syrup to avoid refined sugars

Nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter act as excellent binders, helping hold the ingredients together.

Texture and Consistency

For chewy bars, ensure the mixture is moist but not too wet. For firmer bars, press the mixture more firmly into the pan.

Adding dried fruits like cranberries can enhance texture and flavour

Chocolate Topping

A chocolate topping can add flavor and appeal. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for broader dietary compatibility.

Storage

Store bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Customisation

Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to create unique flavour profiles

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all gluten-free cereal bars suitable for those with coeliac disease?

Not all gluten-free cereal bars are safe for those with celiac disease. Some may be processed in facilities that handle gluten, risking cross-contamination. Always check the packaging for certification or contact the manufacturer for assurance.

What ingredients are commonly used in gluten-free cereal bars?

Common ingredients include gluten-free oats, almond flour, nuts like almonds or cashews, seeds such as sunflower or flaxseeds, dried fruits like cranberries, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Can gluten-free cereal bars be made at home?

Yes, gluten-free cereal bars can be easily made at home using simple ingredients like gluten-free oats, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Homemade bars allow for customization to suit dietary needs and preferences.

Are gluten-free cereal bars healthier than traditional cereal bars?

Gluten-free cereal bars can be healthier if made with wholesome ingredients and minimal added sugars. However, commercial options may still contain high sugar content or processed ingredients. Homemade versions offer better control over nutritional content.

Do gluten-free cereal bars provide enough protein and fiber?

Many gluten-free cereal bars, especially those made with nuts and seeds, can provide a good amount of protein and fiber. However, the nutritional content varies depending on the ingredients used.


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Becky Terrell ✍️

Becky avatarHi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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Comments

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  • Avatar for Kaye Lacia
    Kaye Lacia replied on April 10, 2025:

    5 stars
    I made a batch of these for the week and ended up finishing them in two days—they’re that good!


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