Deliciously Chewy Gluten-Free Honey Trail Mix Bars: A Wholesome Snack & Comprehensive Gluten-Free Guide
Finding that elusive, perfectly chewy granola bar can often feel like a quest, especially when you’re looking for gluten-free options. Thankfully, your search might just end here with these incredible Honey Trail Mix Bars. This fantastic recipe, adapted from Olivia Dupin’s insightful book, The Complete Guide to Naturally Gluten-Free Foods, has quickly become a kitchen staple. Olivia’s book is not just a collection of recipes; it’s a treasure trove of information that has enriched my understanding of gluten-free living, and every recipe I’ve tried from it so far has been nothing short of spectacular. It’s a truly engaging read, full of both practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it much more than just a cookbook.
An Essential Resource: The Complete Guide to Naturally Gluten-Free Foods
Subtitled “Your Starter Manual to Going G-Free the Easy, No-Fuss Way,” Olivia Dupin’s book truly delivers on its promise. It’s a comprehensive “manual” that dives deep into the essentials of navigating a gluten-free lifestyle. Beyond just recipes, it offers foundational knowledge on critical topics such as autoimmune diseases, wheat allergies, and the process of getting tested for celiac disease. The book serves as an invaluable guide for adapting to a gluten-free diet, from understanding label reading to successfully feeding gluten-free kids, ensuring the whole family can thrive without gluten.
What sets this guide apart is its deeply personal touch. Olivia courageously opens with her own journey of being diagnosed with celiac disease. She shares an honest account of how this diagnosis impacted her body, and more importantly, how she navigated the emotional and professional challenges that came with it. I initially expected a narrative of an immediate, seamless transition to a perfect gluten-free diet, but Olivia offers a much more authentic story.
Instead of an idealized path, she provides a candid look at the realities of dietary changes, including the setbacks and what it truly took for her to embrace and maintain a gluten-free lifestyle. This level of honesty makes her incredibly relatable, especially for those just embarking on a wheat-free diet or cooking for someone who needs to. Her insights validate the struggles many face and provide practical strategies for overcoming them, making the complex world of gluten-free living feel achievable and less daunting. The book is truly a beacon for anyone seeking clarity, support, and delicious recipes on their gluten-free journey.
Crafting the Perfect Honey Trail Mix Bars
Now, let’s talk about these incredible Honey Trail Mix Bars! This recipe is a fantastic solution for utilizing leftover crispy rice cereal, transforming it into a delightful, wholesome snack. While there’s a wonderful medley of ingredients in these bars, the effort required to gather them is undoubtedly worth it. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making these bars far more satisfying than your average store-bought variety.
The prominent ingredient binding these bars together is, of course, honey, which imparts a rich, natural sweetness and a perfectly chewy texture. However, the honey flavor is beautifully balanced by the robust taste of various nuts, the sweet tanginess of dried fruits, and the subtle earthiness of sesame seeds. This intricate flavor profile means that even if you’re not an absolute honey enthusiast, you’ll likely find these bars incredibly appealing. They offer a complex, wholesome taste that caters to a wide range of palates.
Beyond their delicious taste, these bars are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent grab-and-go breakfast, a much-needed energy boost during a busy afternoon, or a satisfying post-workout snack. For those leading an active lifestyle, they’re an ideal companion for hiking, camping, or any outdoor adventure, providing sustained energy. You can also easily customize the “trail mix” component: feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts, and swap in different dried fruits such as dates, figs, or even chocolate chips for an added treat. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile, offering a warm, inviting spice note. The flexibility of this recipe ensures you can tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
More Gluten-Free Delights to Explore
If you enjoy these Honey Trail Mix Bars, you might also be interested in other gluten-free recipes and related articles:
- Fisher Nuts Trail Mix Giveaway – Discover more about the joy of trail mixes.
- Odense Almond Paste Oat and Trail Mix Bars – Another great option for chewy bars.
- Gluten-Free Double Chocolate Cookies with Coconut Flour – Indulge in rich, chocolatey goodness.
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Coconut Oatmeal Pecan (Gluten-Free) – A classic cookie, made gluten-free.
- Gluten-Free Oatmeal Cookies – Simple, comforting, and deliciously chewy.
Honey Trail Mix Bars Recipe
Honey Trail Mix Bars
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 40 g crispy brown rice cereal (e.g. gluten free Rice Krispies)
- ½ cup 75 g whole cashews
- ½ cup 70 g whole almonds (I used roasted)
- ½ cup 75 g roasted shelled pistachios
- ½ cup 50 g whole pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup 135 g mixture of dried fruits (I used dried cranberries, apricots, cherries)
- ¼ cup 36 g sesame seeds
- ¼ cup 28 g flaxseed meal
- ¼ cup 20 g flaked coconut
- ½ cup 170 g honey
- ¼ cup 60 g firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons 16 g cornstarch
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 300°F . Line a 9 inch square metal pan with parchment paper. If making a half batch, use a 9×5 inch loaf pan instead.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, cashews, almonds, pistachios, pecans, dried fruit, sesame seeds, flaxseed meal, and flaked coconut. Set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients and toss until evenly coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use another piece of parchment paper to press down the mixture so that it is flat and evenly distributed to the corners of the pan. Remove top layer of parchment and bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan for several hours.
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Turn the mixture out onto a cutting board, peeling away the parchment paper on the bottom. Using a serrated knife, cut into 16 squares. Store in a zipper-top bag or an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
Embrace a Delicious Gluten-Free Lifestyle
These Honey Trail Mix Bars are more than just a recipe; they are a testament to how flavorful and satisfying gluten-free eating can be. By combining natural sweeteners, a vibrant assortment of nuts and dried fruits, and crispy rice cereal, you get a snack that’s not only incredibly tasty but also provides sustained energy and essential nutrients. Whether you’re a seasoned gluten-free eater or just exploring a wheat-free diet, these bars are a delightful addition to your repertoire.
Furthermore, Olivia Dupin’s “The Complete Guide to Naturally Gluten-Free Foods” remains an indispensable companion for anyone on this journey. Its blend of comprehensive information and heartfelt personal experience makes it a truly unique and empowering resource. It teaches you not just what to eat, but how to embrace a gluten-free lifestyle with confidence and joy, transforming potential challenges into opportunities for discovery and health.
So, why not roll up your sleeves and give these Honey Trail Mix Bars a try? They’re simple to make, incredibly rewarding, and a perfect example of the delicious possibilities within the gluten-free world. And if you’re looking for more guidance and inspiration, be sure to explore Olivia Dupin’s book. Happy baking and happy, healthy eating!