Gluten Free Almond Crumble Bars

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Hey there! If you’re like me, you probably love a good snack that hits all the right notes, sweet, crunchy, nutty, and totally gluten free. Well, I’ve got a treat for you: gluten free almond crumble bars. These little beauties are not only insanely delicious but also super easy to make, and FYI, they’re perfect for anyone avoiding gluten or just wanting a healthier, more wholesome snack.

I’ve tested a bunch of recipes over the years, and trust me, this one hits all the marks. So, whether you’re looking for a breakfast on the go, a sweet treat for your afternoon tea, or a dessert to impress your friends, these bars are your new best friend. Ready? Let’s go!

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Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Almond Crumble Bars

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why these bars are absolute winners.

• Gluten-free and healthy: No wheat, no worries, these bars are packed with wholesome ingredients.
• Crunchy almond topping: The crumble isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with flavor and texture.
• Naturally sweetened: Using maple syrup and ripe bananas means you get sweetness without refined sugar.
• Vegan-friendly options: Just swap the egg for ground flaxseed, and you’re all set!
• Customizable toppings: Add extra blueberries, drizzle with nut butter, or sprinkle some chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy.

Honestly, I’ve made these more times than I can count, each batch disappearing faster than the last. Plus, they store like a charm, so you can prep a batch and snack on them all week.

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Ingredients You Need (And Why They Matter)

Alright, no long-winded explanations here, just the good stuff you need to whip up these bars.

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled old-fashioned oats: The base of our crumble, giving it that satisfying chewy texture.
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with bananas and berries.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps give the crumble a slight rise and fluffiness.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor, IMO, cinnamon makes everything better.
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.

Wet Ingredients

• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds moisture and flavor, plus it’s dairy-free.
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (or 1 large egg): Acts as a binder, plus, flaxseed adds omega-3s!
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted: Keeps everything moist and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla: Because vanilla makes everything taste just a little more heaven-like.
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The secret ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture.

Fruits & Toppings

• 1 ¼ cups blueberries (fresh or frozen), divided: These give the bars a juicy burst of flavor.
• Extra blueberries, nut butter, and maple syrup for serving, because who doesn’t want to top their bars?

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How to Make These Almond Crumble Bars

Now, let’s get down to business. I’ll walk you through each step, so don’t worry, this is totally doable, even if you’re new to baking.

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. I love parchment, FYI, because cleanup becomes a breeze and the bars come out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt. Whisk them together until evenly distributed. This mix forms the hearty base and crumble.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the almond milk, maple syrup, ground flaxseed (or egg), melted coconut oil, vanilla, and mashed bananas. It might look a little chunky, but that’s okay, this combo is what makes the bars moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until you get a thick, sticky batter. Gently fold in 1 cup of blueberries. The batter will be a little lumpy, don’t overmix or the bars might turn dense.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of blueberries across the top, this gives a gorgeous burst of color and flavor when you bite into it.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 40 to 55 minutes. Keep an eye on it, you’re looking for a golden top and a set middle. The top should be crisp, but the inside still soft and moist.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift them out (if you used parchment) and transfer to a wire rack. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Top each square with extra blueberries, nut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Honestly, I like to keep it simple and just enjoy them as is, sweet enough to satisfy any craving.

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Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s the scoop on keeping these bars fresh:

• Refrigerate: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds per piece.
• Reheat: To warm up the whole batch, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick.

Trust me, these bars taste just as good even after a few days, if they last that long! 😉

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Customization and Variations

Here’s where you can get creative:

• Add nuts or seeds: Toss in chopped almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds for extra crunch.
• Switch up the fruit: Raspberries, strawberries, or sliced peaches work beautifully.
• Chocolate chips: Because, let’s be honest, a little chocolate never hurts.
• Vegan version: Swap the egg for flaxseed and use coconut oil instead of butter.

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Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Gluten free almond crumble bars that are wholesome, delicious, and totally customizable. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a sweet snack, or a fuss-free dessert, these bars have got you covered.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and will impress anyone, even your skeptical friends who think gluten-free can’t be tasty. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.

If you decide to give this recipe a shot, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop a comment or tag me on your social media, nothing makes my day more than seeing someone enjoy a treat I shared. Happy baking, and stay sweet! 😄

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Remember: The secret to perfect bars is patience, let them cool completely before slicing. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a gooey mess, and no one wants that. Happy snacking!