No Bake Granola Bars – Vegan Friendly and Gluten Free

I went to a Christmas party last year, and my friends who hosted it baked a bag of goodies for each of the guests to go home with. It was delightful (and so are they)!

Inside the bag, among many other amazing treats, were these home made oat bars that I thought were fantastic. So naturally, I asked for the recipe, which thankfully, they gave me right away. The best part was that they didn’t require any baking! What’s more is that they are a great pre or post workout snack for energy and protein, or even just a snack to have between meals when you’re on the go all day.

I’ve taken the original recipe, made some minor changes, and have brought it here to you so you can make them too!

Here is what you will need:

2 cups gluten free rolled oats
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 cup flax seed meal
1/4 cup almond butter, softened
3/4 cup peanut butter, softened (or cashew or more almond butter if you’re vegan)
1/3 cup honey (or agave if you want them to be vegan)
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

1. Mix everything in a big bowl until combined.
2. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and place your oat mixture into it. Flatten it down into a single even layer, put it in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours until it sets. Then take it out and cut it up into desired sized pieces.

Keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.