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Bars made with oats, apples, and raisins without gluten.

Bars made with oats, apples, and raisins without gluten.

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Gluten-Free Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars: A Healthy, Delicious Snack

If you’re searching for a nutritious, gluten-free snack that’s packed with flavor, Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars are the perfect choice! These bars combine the wholesome goodness of oats, the natural sweetness of apples, and the chewiness of raisins to create a delicious treat that’s both satisfying and healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout snack, these gluten-free bars are an excellent option. They are simple to make, packed with fiber and vitamins, and full of natural sweetness—without the gluten!

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these wholesome bars, so you can enjoy a tasty, nutrient-dense snack anytime you need it.

Why You’ll Love Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars

  • Naturally Gluten-Free: These bars are made with certified gluten-free oats, making them safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
  • Packed with Nutrients: With ingredients like oats, apples, raisins, and nuts (if you add them), these bars are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.
  • No Refined Sugar: Sweetened with the natural sugars in apples and a small amount of honey or maple syrup, these bars are a healthier alternative to sugary store-bought snacks.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or spices. You can also swap in different dried fruits if you prefer cranberries, apricots, or dates.

Ingredients for Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars

To make these gluten-free bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 2 cups certified gluten-free rolled oats
    • 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruits like cranberries)
    • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and grated (you can use a box grater or a food processor)
    • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan version)
    • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

How to Make Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars

These bars come together in just a few simple steps and require minimal effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, combine the gluten-free rolled oats, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and chopped nuts (if using). Stir to mix everything evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, grate the apple using a box grater or food processor. You want to end up with about 1 cup of grated apple. It will add both moisture and natural sweetness to the bars.
  2. Add the grated apple, honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, vanilla extract, and almond milk to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well combined.
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Step 3: Mix Everything Together

  1. Once the wet and dry ingredients are fully combined, the mixture should be thick but slightly sticky. If it feels too dry, you can add a little more almond milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a dough-like consistency that holds together well.

Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish

  1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down firmly to spread it out evenly. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure it’s compacted.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  3. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean, the bars are ready.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

  1. Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes.
  2. After they’ve cooled slightly, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the dish and place them on a cutting board.
  3. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Let them cool completely before storing.

Storage Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, keep the bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Freezing: These bars freeze well! If you want to keep them longer, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature.

Health Benefits of Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars

These bars are not only delicious but also provide numerous health benefits:

  • High in Fiber: Oats, apples, and raisins are all excellent sources of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
  • Packed with Antioxidants: Apples and raisins are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body’s cells from oxidative stress and support overall well-being.
  • Heart-Healthy: Oats and nuts provide healthy fats and beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
  • Natural Sweetness: With the natural sugars from apples and a small amount of honey or maple syrup, these bars satisfy your sweet tooth without the need for refined sugars.
  • Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are a great source of vitamin C, and raisins provide potassium and iron, both of which support your immune system and energy levels.

Tips for Making Perfect Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars

  • Add-ins: Feel free to customize these bars by adding ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, or a handful of dark chocolate chips. You can also experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for extra flavor.
  • Use a Sweet Apple: For the best natural sweetness, use a variety of apple that is naturally sweet, such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. This will enhance the flavor of the bars.
  • Make Them Vegan: Simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version. Make sure your applesauce is unsweetened to keep the bars as healthy as possible.
  • Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them. This helps them firm up and hold together better.

Conclusion

These Gluten-Free Oats, Apples, and Raisins Bars are a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy a gluten-free treat that’s naturally sweetened and packed with wholesome ingredients. With their chewy texture, satisfying crunch from the nuts, and a burst of apple flavor, these bars make the perfect snack for any time of day. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps and minimal prep time. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or a healthy dessert, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.