3 Ingredient Almond Flour Granola Bars (V, Grain-Free)

Learn how to make reliable 3 ingredient almond flour granola bars that are vegan, grain-free, oil-free, and a cinch to make. Vary the add-in ingredients endlessly to make them brand new every time. I even have an straightforward keto-friendly option.

Really, I’m serious. Granola bars have fueled me, and my various activities, all my life. Portable food is definitely my thing.

I am not opposed to buying granola bars, but I especially like to make them from scratch. Call me picky. And frugal. Whimsical, too; I like adding a bit of chocolate one day, lemon and ginger the next, and a crazy mix of everything when I am in the mood for, well, everything.

I’ve conjured a new granola bar recipe, fit for styling any which way you like. If you are picky, frugal, and whimsical about your cooking, baking and eating, too, I think you’ll love it as much as I do.

It’s my3-Ingredient Grain-Free Granola Bars.

Recipe Benefits

• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
• Grain-free
• Gluten-free
• Paleo
• Oil-free
• Low-sugar (sweetened with 2 tablespoons maple syrup)
• No refined sugar
• A reliable balance of crunchy & chewy
• Ketogenic option

You can make the bars keto-friendly with one plain swap.

Ingredients

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

The 3 ingredient almond flour granola bars begin with 3 basic ingredients:

• Almond flour (finely ground flour, not almondmeal)
• Pepitas (green pumpkin seeds; see notes for variations)
• Maple syrup

I like to add a small amount of salt, too, but it is always optional.

The options for otheradd-insandflavorsis almost unlimited! I have suggestions for different kinds of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, spices, and extracts in the notes.

Tip: Toast the Pumpkin Seeds

To maximize the flavor and crunch in these minimalist bars, it is important to toast the pepitas. Don’t worry, it literally takes seconds to complete this step.

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Preheat oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 325F (160C). Line a 9×5-inch (22.5×12.5 cm)loaf panwithparchment paper; spray or greased exposed sides (this process makes for straightforward removal).

Step Two: Toast the Pumpkin Seeds

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat (I used cast iron) for 2 to 3 minutes until hot. Add thepepitas; shake the pan for 30 to 90 seconds until thepepitasbegin to turn brown at the edges, puff up, and make a popping sound. Immediately transfer to a bowl to cool.

Step Three: Combine Almond Granola Bar Ingredients

In amedium bowl, combine thealmond flour,maple syrupand (optional) salt, stirring until combined (it will be very stiff–continue to stir!). Mix the cooledpepitasinto the almond flour mixture (I use my fingers).

Step Four: Press into Pan

Press the grain-free granola bar dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

Step Five: Bake

Bake the granola bars in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes until golden brown at edges (the center area will still look somewhat soft; it will harden as it cools).

Step Six: Cool and Cut

Transfer to a cooling rack and cool 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper liner to remove from pan. Cool completely on rack and cut the 3 ingredient almond flour granola bars into 6 crosswise portions.

Hello, satisfying.

Taste and Texture

The cooled granola bars have just the right amount of natural sweetness, coupled with the flavor of maple. The edges of the granola bars are crispy, and the centers of the bars are slightly chewy once completely cooled.

Storage for the Bars

Individually wrap the cooled bars and store in an airtight container at (cool) room temperature for 1 week, the refrigerator / fridge for 1 month, or the freezer for 6 months.

Variations

Consider this youralmond flourgranola bar template.By adding in one or more ingredients, or varying the basic recipe, you can make countless different varieties of bars!

Here are some ideas:

• Keto Option:Prepare as directed but replace the maple syrup with 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of keto-friendly granulated sweetener.
• Add Chopped Dried Fruit:Add up to 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit, such as cranberries, raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, dried cherries, prunes, or unsweetened coconut flakes.
• Use Different Nuts or Seeds:Swap the green pumpkin seeds for other nuts or seeds (chopped, as needed) such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts / filberts, sunflower seed kernels, hemp hearts, chia seeds, or sesame seeds. You can use raw nuts or raw seeds, but I recommend toasting them to enhance the flavor.
• Add Spices:Add 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon of a go-to sweet spice or blend, such as ground cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cardamom, pumpkin pie spice or nutmeg (use 1/8 to 1/4 tsp nutmeg, as it is stronger).
• Add Chocolate:Add 2 tablespoons of cacao nibs or 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped chocolate chips or other chocolate to the dough. Alternatively, drizzle or dink the finished bars with dark chocolate.
• Add Extracts or Zests:Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract. lemon extract or orange extract to the dough. Or add up to 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, orange zest of lime zest to the dough.

It should go without saying, but I will say it anyway: these 3 ingredient almond flour granola bars make a great snack on the go, whether for breakfast on the run or for fuel before or after a run.

It is so straightforward to make a batch, you’ll undoubtedly want to share the bars with (lucky ) friends, too!

Happy baking!

FAQ

• Can I Make the Bars With Almond Butter Instead of Almond Flour?No, almond butter, peanut butter or any other nut butter or seed butter will not work as a replacement for the almond flour.
• What Can I Use in Place of the Maple Syrup?You can use an equal amount of agave nectar, brown rice syrup or date syrup. If you do not follow a vegan diet, you can also use honey.
• Can I UseSunflower Seed FlourorPumpkin Seed Flourin Place of the Almond Flour?I have not tested it, but it should work!

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