No-Bake Chewy Gluten-Free Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil

• 1/2 cup coconut nectar, date syrup, or maple syrup 

• 1/2 cup almond butter 

• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 

• 1 cup gluten free oats 

• 2 cup chocolate puffed rice 

• 2 cup nuts/seeds 

• 2 cup chopped dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Melt coconut oil, syrup, almond butter, salt, and other spices/flavors in a medium saucepan.

2. When liquid mixture melts and becomes a bit foamy, turn the heat down to low, add the oats and stir to coat.

3. Add the nuts/seeds, and stir to coat.

4. Finally, add the dried fruit, and fold in to the mixture.

5. Continue cooking on low heat for just a couple minutes (this will soften the ingredients slightly before you cool them, allowing them to stick together better).

6. Meanwhile, line a small baking dish (mine measures 6″ by 8″) with parchment paper or plastic wrap, leaving the sides of the paper/wrap long.

7. Add the mixture to the dish; press with the back of a wooden spoon so it is evenly spread out.

8. Fold the parchment paper/plastic wrap over the granola so the top is covered (get more if necessary). Press the granola aggressively, so it is as packed as you can make it. I used my grill press, but you can also use a dish or cup, or your hands. Just make sure it is well packed and evenly distributed!

9. Place in refrigerator and allow to cool completely- at least two hours, but I recommend overnight.

10. Remove granola from parchment paper- it should be in one big block. Cut into 8-12 bars, and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for about 2 weeks.

Written by: Erin Rhae Biller, ND, FAIHM