Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oat Cranberry Bars

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oat Cranberry Bars

Today we are making Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oat Cranberry Bars! This easy recipe is no bake, gluten-free and has two layers of tart cranberry, nutty oats and a rich chocolate flavor! I know you’re probably insanely busy with life, but sometimes we all just want an easy-to-make snack, right? So I’ll give you a good idea: when you open the fridge for the tenth time, wondering when food will magically appear, make these bars and now you actually have a snack smiling back at you!

As you may have noticed through the other recipes on this blog, I’m always up for a no-bake energy ball or energy bar recipe. The best part about these no-bake recipes is that there are just so many flavors to create! From orange creamsicle, key lime pie, cookie dough, brownie fudge, matcha, maple, coconut mango, and so many more, the combinations are never-ending. For today’s blog post, I did have to choose just one recipe to share – and that’s a cranberry chocolate combo!

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oat Cranberry Bars

Nutritional Value: These decadent bars contain simple ingredients such as oats, cranberries, and dark chocolate chips. Oats are a good source of dietary fiber, cranberries are rich in antioxidants, and dark chocolate provides mood-boosting health benefits.

Portable and Convenient: These healthy oatmeal bars are typically made in a rectangular or square pan, making them a great recipe to pack and take on the go. They can serve as a quick and satisfying snack or a grab-and-go breakfast option for busy mornings! No baking time, stand mixer, or needing to turn the tray over halfway through to ensure an even bake – none of that hassle!

Textured: There are two layers in this recipe. A base layer with a chewy texture using dried cranberries, and a top layer of chocolate, creamy almond butter and and caramel-y dates.

Substitutions

Cranberries: Used dried cherries instead of dried cranberries. Check the ingredient label to find a brand with the lowest amount of added sugar. Some dried fruit brands contain a lot of added sugar, which will work for this recipe, but the dates already contribute natural sweetness as well. So if you’re looking to cut back on the refined sugar, check the ingredient label!

Dates: For best results, use Medjool dates. These are large, soft and caramel-like – perfect for blending in this recipe. You can also substitute with Deglet Noor dates.

Oats: Use uncooked quick oats or rolled oats. If using rolled oats, pulse them in the spice grinder once to make them into smaller flakes like quick-cooking ones are, before using to make them incorporate better into the dough. For those with Celiac disease, check the label to find certified gluten-free oats.

Almond Butter: Use cashew butter, pecan butter, macadamia nut butter or another neutral nut butter. I don’t recommend peanut butter, because it has a stronger flavor as opposed to other nut butters. Tahini or sunflower seed butter may work for nut-free options.

Chocolate: Check the ingredient label to make sure you have dairy-free chocolate chips that don’t contain any animal products (like milk or milk powder). You can opt for semi sweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter recipe.

Chocolate Cranberry Oat Bars Recipe Notes

• Like your energy bars to be extra chocolate-y? Drizzle melted chocolate over top of the bars before placing in the freezer. The chocolate will harden up for a double chocolate bite in each bar!

More Recipes You’ll Love

3-Ingredient Flourless Vegan Fudge Brownies: Make these mouth-watering 3-Ingredient Flourless Vegan Fudge Brownies that use wholesome ingredients – just dates, cacao powder and walnuts!

Dark Chocolate, Pistachio & Green Tea Bars: Raw Granola Bars using dark chocolate, pistachio and matcha with coconut flour for a no bake, quick snack recipe.

Almond Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate Kind Bars: These Nut and Seed Granola Bars are a remake of the popular Almond Sea Salt & Dark Chocolate Kind Bars, made with wholesome vegan ingredients!

Chickpea Protein Cookie Dough Bars: These Vegan, Nut Free Chocolate Chip Protein Bars taste like healthy cookie dough with a hidden ingredient – chickpeas!

Chocolate No Bake Oatmeal Cookies: A simple vegan cookie recipe that’s like a chocolate haystack with easy to find ingredients, full of chocolate and oats and don’t require an oven!

If you make these Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oat Cranberry Bars, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!