If you’re looking for a nutritious yet indulgent snack or dessert, these Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are the perfect choice. Thick, chewy, and naturally sweetened, these bars are packed with wholesome ingredients that offer a balance of energy, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post-workout treat, these oatmeal bars will satisfy your cravings while keeping you fueled.
Ingredients:
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
3/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
3/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flaky salt for topping (optional)
Directions:
Making these oatmeal bars is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a quick and healthy snack.
Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent the bars from sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick oats and baking powder. This is the base of your bars and provides the structure you need.
Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Then, stir in the nut butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will provide the natural sweetness and moisture to bind the bars.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Add the wet ingredients to the dry oat mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips to ensure that every bite has a little chocolatey goodness.
Bake the Oatmeal Bars:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and set.
Finish and Cool:
Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with flaky salt while still warm. Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Serving Tips:
Perfect Snack: These oatmeal bars make an excellent mid-day snack or a post-workout refuel. They provide a good balance of fiber, healthy fats, and protein to keep you full and energized.
Breakfast Option: Pair one of these bars with a cup of yogurt or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
Dessert Delight: Serve these bars as a healthy dessert after lunch or dinner. You can top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
For Kids: These bars are a great option for a kid-friendly snack—packed with nutrients but with a sweet touch of chocolate to keep them happy.
Warm it Up: If you prefer them warm, simply microwave a bar for about 10-15 seconds to melt the chocolate chips and give it that fresh-baked feel.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This will keep them fresh and chewy.
Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store the bars in the fridge for up to a week. They may firm up slightly when chilled, but they’ll still maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing: These oatmeal bars freeze well for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.
Portion Control: If you’re meal prepping, consider portioning out individual bars into zip-top bags. This makes it easy to grab and go!
Related Recipes:
- Zucchini Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Overnight Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Crisp
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes! You can use any nut butter you prefer, such as peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Each type of nut butter will give the bars a slightly different flavor, but all work well in this recipe. Make sure to use a natural nut butter that’s not too oily or sweetened for the best results.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
Absolutely! If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey works as a great substitute. You can also use agave nectar or a sugar-free syrup if you’re looking for a lower-sugar alternative. Keep in mind that the sweetness may vary slightly depending on which sweetener you choose.
Can I make these oatmeal bars gluten-free?
Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to check the label of your nut butter and other ingredients to confirm they are also gluten-free.
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make these bars vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or a chia egg. Additionally, ensure you are using a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup and vegan chocolate chips.
Conclusion:
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate combination of nutrition and taste. With wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and maple syrup, they provide a satisfying snack without the guilt. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a midday energy boost—these bars are sure to become a staple in your healthy recipe collection!
📖 Recipe:
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Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are thick, chewy, and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup or honey. Packed with wholesome ingredients like oats and nut butter, they offer a delicious balance of fiber, healthy fats, and chocolatey goodness. A perfect snack or dessert for any time of day, these oatmeal bars are both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg
3/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
3/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Flaky salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then stir in the nut butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract.
- Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden and set.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky salt while still warm. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
Nut Butter Variations: Choose almond, peanut, or cashew butter to suit your taste. Make sure the nut butter is smooth and not too oily.
Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter treat.
Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 250 kcal
