Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Indulge in these thick, chewy, and wholesome Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars. Perfect as a sweet dessert or a nutritious snack, these bars are loaded with hearty oats and rich chocolate chips, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Wholesome Ingredients: Made with quick-cooking oats, natural nut butter, and sweetened with pure maple syrup or honey, these bars are a healthier alternative to traditional desserts.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common pantry staples, you can whip up these bars without any hassle.
• Versatile Snack: Ideal for breakfast on-the-go, a midday energy boost, or a satisfying dessert.
• Family-Friendly: A treat that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it a great option for family gatherings or lunchbox snacks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Quick-Cooking Oats: 2 cups
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Egg: 1, whisked
• Nut Butter: ¾ cup (almond, peanut, or cashew butter)
• Pure Maple Syrup or Honey: ¾ cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: ¾ cup, divided
• Flaky Sea Salt: for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats and baking powder.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then add the nut butter, pure maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Add Sea Salt: Immediately upon removing from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, if desired.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes approximately 9 bars.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option: Replace nut butter with sunflower seed butter to make the recipe nut-free.
• Add-Ins: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, or add nuts such as chopped almonds or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg, and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.
• Reheating: Enjoy bars at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, but the texture will be chewier, and you may need to increase the baking time slightly.

What type of nut butter works best?

Any natural nut butter without added sugars or oils works well. Almond, peanut, or cashew butter are great options.

Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup or honey to your taste, but note that it may affect the moisture and binding of the bars.

Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

How can I make the bars firmer?

Bake them a few minutes longer, but keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Can I omit the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can substitute them with nuts, dried fruits, or leave them out entirely for a plainer bar.

What can I use instead of flaky sea salt?

A light sprinkle of regular sea salt or kosher salt can be used as an alternative.

How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

Lining the baking dish with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars
• Category: Snack, Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Healthy, American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are thick, chewy, and naturally sweetened, making them the perfect snack, breakfast, or dessert! Made with oats, nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and chocolate chips, these gluten-free and dairy-free bars are easy to prepare and great for meal prep.

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Ingredients

For the Bars:

• 2 cups quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewier texture)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg, whisked (or flax egg for vegan option – 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
• ¾ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew butter)
• ¾ cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
• Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

• Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, combine oats and baking powder.

• Combine Wet Ingredients:

  • In another bowl, whisk egg, nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Combine Mixtures:

  • Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.

• Add Chocolate Chips:

  • Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips.

• Prepare for Baking:

  • Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.

• Bake:

  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Add Finishing Touch:

  • If desired, sprinkle flaky sea salt immediately after removing from the oven.

• Cool & Serve:

  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

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Notes

• Nut-Free Option: Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Vegan Version: Use flax egg instead of regular egg.
• Add-Ins: Try chopped walnuts, almonds, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes for added texture.
• Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce maple syrup/honey slightly, but note that it may affect the texture.