Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients and just the right amount of sweetness, they satisfy your cravings without guilt.

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). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish 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 until well mixed.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped nuts if using.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
8. Step 8: Serve and enjoy these wholesome oatmeal bars as a quick snack or breakfast on the go.

Tips & Variations

• Use mini chocolate chips for a milder chocolate flavor and less sweetness.
• Substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter for a different taste or allergy accommodation.
• Add shredded coconut or flaxseeds for extra texture and nutrition.
• If you prefer vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).

Storage

Store the oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave or let come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, just make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour such as almond flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.

Can I substitute the sweetener?

Absolutely. You can use either honey, maple syrup, or a mix of both depending on your preference. Avoid using granulated sugar as it may affect the texture.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious snack or breakfast option, packed with oats, almond flour, and natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. Enhanced with almond butter, applesauce, and a touch of cinnamon, these bars include dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, and nuts for added texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden perfection, they are perfect for a nutritious treat any time of the day.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 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

Mix-ins (Optional)

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well to distribute all ingredients evenly.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, unsweetened applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and thoroughly combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir until all components are well incorporated into a cohesive batter.
5. Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped nuts if using. This adds texture and bursts of flavor throughout the bars.
6. Bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and cut: Allow the baked bars to cool in the dish for approximately 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars of desired size.
8. Serve and enjoy: These oatmeal bars are perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome breakfast on the go. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.

Notes

• You can substitute almond flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture.
• Use mini chocolate chips if you prefer less sweetness and smaller chocolate pockets.
• Adding dried fruit and nuts is optional, but they enrich flavor and nutrition.
• For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: healthy oatmeal bars, chocolate chip oatmeal bars, easy snack bars, gluten free snack, healthy breakfast bars