Table of Contents
- 1 💚 Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars
- 2 🥒 What Makes These Bars Perfect for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle?
- 3 📋 Ingredients for Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars
- 4 🧁 How to Make Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars
- 5 ✅ Tips for Success
- 6 🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- 7 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 8 🥗 Serving Suggestions
- 9 🌿 Final Thoughts
💚 Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars
If you’re gluten-sensitive, have celiac disease, or are simply avoiding wheat, it can be hard to find baked goods that actually taste good. That’s where these gluten-free zucchini bars come in. Soft, moist, and full of wholesome ingredients, they’re the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again—whether you’re gluten-free or not.
Made with certified gluten-free oats, almond flour, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars are proof that gluten-free can be deliciously satisfying. Packed with fiber, subtly sweet, and perfect for breakfast or snack time, they’re also 100% alcohol-free and bacon-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
🥒 What Makes These Bars Perfect for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle?
Certified GF Ingredients
No wheat, barley, or rye here. We use only gluten-free certified oats and almond flour to keep things completely wheat-free.
Naturally Moist
Grated zucchini adds a soft, tender texture that keeps these bars from ever feeling dry—without needing heavy butter or cream.
Wholesome and Balanced
These bars are made with simple, nourishing ingredients that provide energy without the sugar crash.
Versatile for All Eaters
Even if you’re not gluten-free, you’ll love the flavor and texture of these bars. Plus, they’re easy to adapt to dairy-free, nut-free, or vegan needs.
📋 Ingredients for Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars
Dry Ingredients:
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1 cup almond flour
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¾ cup certified gluten-free rolled oats
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
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¼ tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients:
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1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
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⅓ cup honey or pure maple syrup
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¼ cup coconut oil, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup grated zucchini (lightly squeezed)
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana
Optional Add-ins:
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¼ cup chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds
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2 tbsp dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
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2 tbsp raisins or chopped dates
🧁 How to Make Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars
🔥 Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
🥄 Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Almond flour
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Gluten-free oats
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Baking soda
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Cinnamon
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Nutmeg (if using)
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Salt
🥣 Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
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Egg
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Maple syrup or honey
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Coconut oil
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Vanilla
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Applesauce or banana
Mix until smooth.
🥒 Step 4: Fold in Zucchini
Stir in the grated zucchini. If your zucchini is very watery, lightly squeeze it with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. You want it moist, not dripping.
🧱 Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a thick batter forms. Fold in optional add-ins, if using.
🔄 Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
❄️ Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. This will help them firm up and slice cleanly.
✅ Tips for Success
Lightly Squeeze the Zucchini
You want to remove excess water, but not all of it. Some moisture is essential for that soft texture.
Use Certified Gluten-Free Oats
Not all oats are gluten-free due to cross-contamination. Check the label if you’re sensitive or baking for someone who is.
Cool Completely Before Slicing
Gluten-free baked goods tend to be more delicate. Let the bars cool to room temperature before slicing to prevent crumbling.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour and skip nuts.
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Vegan: Swap egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
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Dairy-Free: These bars are naturally dairy-free—just choose chocolate chips that are dairy-free if using.
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Sugar-Free: Use monk fruit syrup or erythritol-based sweeteners if you’re avoiding natural sugars.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are these bars really gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, this recipe is completely gluten-free. No wheat, barley, or rye.
Q2: Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly coarser. Almond flour is finer and gives a softer crumb.
Q3: Can I freeze these zucchini bars?
Absolutely! Wrap individually or place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for 1–2 hours at room temperature.
Q4: How long do they last?
Stored in an airtight container:
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Room temperature: 2–3 days
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Fridge: Up to 7 days
Q5: Can I add protein powder?
Yes, but reduce the oats slightly. Replace about ¼ cup of the oats with protein powder for a more balanced bar.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
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Pair with your morning coffee or herbal tea
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Enjoy as a lunchbox snack
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Serve with a spoonful of plain yogurt or almond butter
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Drizzle with tahini or nut butter for added protein
🌿 Final Thoughts
These Gluten-Free Zucchini Bars are the kind of recipe every household can appreciate—whether you’re gluten-free or just aiming for a wholesome snack made with real food. With soft texture, gentle sweetness, and nourishing ingredients, they’re easy to make and even easier to love.
Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert, this recipe is your go-to for healthy baking that satisfies. No pork, no wine, no processed junk—just clean, gluten-free goodness.