Make these delicious, gluten-free, nutrition-packed oatmeal bars

People who are learning to eat gluten-free could always just have an apple for a snack, but sometimes a cookie is really what’s needed. And now I have an oatmeal bar that fits the bill.

I asked readers to send in gluten-free recipes they like, and Lisa Cantkier of GlutenFreeFind.com sent in one for Gluten-Free Fruit and Nut Bars. They are full of good things like nut butter (I used peanut, crunchy), dried fruit and nuts. They are dense, not far from the consistency of packaged bars, but super-delicious.

If you try them, let me know what you think.

Gluten-Free Fruit and Nut Bars

2 eggs

1/2 cup nut butter

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup water

1 cup gluten-free flour (I used Cup4Cup brand)

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

3 tablespoons chopped walnuts

1/3 cup pitted dates, chopped

3 tablespoons raisins

3 tablespoons dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Beat the eggs in a large bowl. Add nut butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, salt and water to combine.

Stir in flour, oats, walnuts and dried fruits, and mix well.

Pat dough into prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake about 17 minutes, until the edges brown.

Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.

ALSO:

Gluten FAQs

Negotiating the supermarket

Gluten-free market with fresh-baked pita

Mary.MacVean@latimes.com

Twitter: @mmacvean