Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a perfect snack for any time of day. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, almond butter, and dark chocolate chips, they offer a satisfying balance of sweetness and nutrition. Easy to make and great for on-the-go, they’re sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or a mix of both)
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (or mini chocolate chips for less sweetness)
• 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional, such as raisins or cranberries)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to mix evenly.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped nuts if using.
5. Step 5: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down gently to create a compact layer.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
7. Step 7: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This helps them set and hold together better.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter if nut allergies are a concern.
• Try mixing in seeds like chia or flax for added fiber and crunch.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture will be softer and less chewy. Rolled oats provide a heartier bite to the bars.

Are these bars suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. These bars keep well and make a convenient, healthy snack or breakfast option for busy days.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack perfect for any time of day. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, natural sweeteners, and a touch of dark chocolate, these bars offer a balanced combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They’re easy to prepare, naturally sweetened, and customizable with optional nuts and dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (or a mix of both)
• 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-Ins

• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (or mini chocolate chips for less sweetness)
• 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional, such as raisins or cranberries)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, unsweetened applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender.
5. Add chocolate chips and optional add-ins: Fold in the dark chocolate chips along with any optional dried fruit and chopped nuts you wish to include.
6. Transfer to pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down gently to ensure a compact and uniform layer.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 12 bars and serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

• You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter if preferred.
• Using mini chocolate chips reduces overall sweetness and gives a better distribution.
• For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Adding dried fruit and nuts is optional but adds extra texture and nutrition.

Keywords: Healthy snack, oatmeal bars, chocolate chip bars, gluten free bars, nutritious snack, homemade bars, easy baking