Are you craving a delicious snack that is both nutritious and satisfying? Look no further than these Healthy Chocolate Chip Oat Bars! Packed with wholesome ingredients, these bars are perfect for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout treat. Let’s dive into this simple yet delightful recipe.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later on.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of almond flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the baking soda and salt.
Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and all the oats are coated.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips. Ensure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Prepare for Baking: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down firmly.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Cut: Allow the baked mixture to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper out of the dish and cut into 12 bars.
Serving Tips:
Breakfast on the Go: Grab a bar or two for a quick and nutritious breakfast. Pair it with a piece of fruit and a cup of coffee or tea for a balanced meal.
Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a bar as an energizing snack to get you through the afternoon slump. It pairs well with a glass of milk or a smoothie.
Post-Workout Treat: These bars make a great post-workout snack, providing a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to help with recovery.
Dessert Delight: Serve these bars as a light dessert. They can be enjoyed as is or with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for extra indulgence.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. This is convenient for easy access and quick snacking.
Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, keep the bars in the refrigerator. They will last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container.
Freezing: To extend the storage even further, you can freeze the bars. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before eating.
Individually Wrapped: For grab-and-go convenience, individually wrap each bar in parchment paper or plastic wrap before storing. This also helps maintain their freshness and makes it easy to toss one into your bag when you’re heading out.
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FAQs:
Can I substitute the almond flour with a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with other flours such as oat flour, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and moist texture, so using a different flour might result in a different consistency.
Are there any alternatives to coconut oil?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use coconut oil, you can substitute it with an equal amount of melted butter or another healthy oil such as avocado oil or olive oil. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the bars.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make these bars vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring that your dark chocolate chips are dairy-free. Additionally, check that your other ingredients, such as almond flour and oats, are certified vegan to avoid any cross-contamination.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
The recipe is already mostly gluten-free, but to ensure it’s completely gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Some oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing, so choosing a certified gluten-free option is essential if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Conclusion:
These bars are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. The rolled oats provide a great source of fiber, while the almond flour adds protein and healthy fats. Coconut oil and dark chocolate chips bring in antioxidants and a rich flavor, making these bars a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re on-the-go or simply need a sweet treat, these Healthy Chocolate Chip Oat Bars are the perfect solution.
📖 Recipe:
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Healthy Chocolate Chip Oat Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in these Healthy Chocolate Chip Oat Bars, a delicious and nutritious snack that’s perfect for any time of day. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and dark chocolate chips, these bars are easy to make and satisfying. Ideal for a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or post-workout treat, these bars are gluten-free and can be made vegan. Enjoy the perfect blend of health and taste with these delightful oat bars.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in dark chocolate chips.
- Prepare for Baking: Press mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
Substitutions: You can substitute almond flour with oat flour, whole wheat flour, or all-purpose flour.
Oil Alternatives: Use melted butter or another healthy oil like avocado or olive oil instead of coconut oil.
Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure dark chocolate chips are dairy-free.
Gluten-Free Tip: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: 210 kcal
