3 Examples of Gluten-Free Dessert Bars

Discover three delightful gluten-free dessert bar recipes that anyone can make!
By Taylor

Examples of Gluten-Free Dessert Bars

Gluten-free dessert bars are a wonderful treat for everyone, especially those with gluten sensitivities. They’re easy to make, portable, and can satisfy any sweet tooth. Here are three diverse examples that are sure to impress!

1. Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Bars

These bars are perfect for a quick afternoon snack or a sweet addition to a lunchbox. They combine the gooey goodness of chocolate chips with the nutty flavor of almond flour, making them a delightful treat.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8x8-inch baking dish. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of almond flour, 1/2 cup of gluten-free rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream together 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of gluten-free chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes/Variations: You can substitute the chocolate chips with dried fruit or nuts for a different flavor. If you’re a fan of coconut, try adding shredded coconut for extra texture!

2. Lemon Coconut Bliss Bars

These refreshing bars are a perfect treat for warm days or as a zesty dessert after dinner. The bright lemon flavor combined with creamy coconut gives these bars a tropical twist.

To make these bars, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of honey until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, the zest of two lemons, 1/4 cup of honey, and 2 eggs until smooth. Pour this mixture over the crust and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded coconut. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until set. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Notes/Variations: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the lemon mixture. You can also swap out the lemon for lime for a different citrus flavor.

3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch Bars

These bars are a dream for peanut butter lovers. They’re rich, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious, making them a great dessert to share at gatherings or to enjoy after a workout.

Begin by lining an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of natural peanut butter with 1/2 cup of honey until smooth. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of gluten-free rice cereal and 1/2 cup of gluten-free oats. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly. Melt 1/2 cup of gluten-free chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler and pour over the pressed mixture. Allow the bars to set in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares.

Notes/Variations: You can add in some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or use almond butter in place of peanut butter for a different flavor. Drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for a decorative touch!

These three examples of gluten-free dessert bars are not only simple to make but also scrumptious and flexible. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs!