Gluten-Free Dessert Bars Perfect for Any Occasion
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| Gluten-Free Dessert Bars |
Why Choose Dessert Bars?
Dessert bars are compact, easy to transport, and perfect for sharing. They’re also highly adaptable to different flavors and dietary needs. From gooey chocolate layers to refreshing fruit-based options, gluten-free dessert bars can cater to any craving or occasion.Key Tips for Gluten-Free Baking
1. Use the Right Flour Blend
- Gluten-free flour blends are essential for achieving the right texture. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur, and Cup4Cup offer blends designed for baking.
- For homemade blends, mix rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch with a pinch of xanthan gum.
2. Mind the Binders
- Xanthan gum or guar gum acts as a binding agent to prevent crumbling.
- Eggs also provide structure, so ensure your recipe includes them or a suitable substitute.
3. Check Your Ingredients
- Some ingredients, like chocolate chips, oats, or flavorings, may contain gluten. Look for certified gluten-free labels.
Must-Try Gluten-Free Dessert Bar Recipes
1. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients:- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
- Combine both mixtures and fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread dough evenly in the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
2. Lemon Raspberry Bars
Ingredients:Crust:
- 1½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- ½ cup raspberries
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix crust ingredients and press into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Whisk filling ingredients (except raspberries) and pour over crust.
- Scatter raspberries on top and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool and chill in the fridge before slicing.
3. Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Ingredients:- 1 cup gluten-free oats
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- Melt peanut butter and honey together in a saucepan.
- Mix with oats and press into a lined 8x8-inch pan.
- Melt chocolate chips and spread over the oat mixture.
- Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before slicing.
4. Salted Caramel Brownie Bars
Ingredients:Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup caramel sauce (gluten-free)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch pan.
- Prepare brownie batter by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining.
- Pour half the batter into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Spread caramel sauce over the partially baked layer and sprinkle sea salt.
- Cover with the remaining batter and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Cool completely before slicing.
5. Pumpkin Spice Bars
Ingredients:- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 1 egg
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch pan.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.
- Pour batter into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool before slicing into squares.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store dessert bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
