Description
Chewy, rich oatmeal bars layered with decadent chocolate fudge, combining wholesome oats with smooth chocolate for a delightful, easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to blend evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Spread half of the oatmeal batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the layer. Then, spread the remaining batter gently on top to cover the chocolate layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use almond or sunflower seed butter as alternatives to peanut butter for allergies or preference.
For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works great.
Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture.
Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, more intense chocolate flavor.
To make vegan, use maple syrup and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen bars overnight in the fridge or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: varies (from maple syrup/honey and chocolate chips)
- Sodium: moderate (from baking powder and salt)
- Fat: moderate (from peanut butter and chocolate chips)
- Saturated Fat: depends on chocolate type
- Unsaturated Fat: present (from peanut butter/nut butter)
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: mainly from oats, flour, and sweeteners
- Fiber: moderate (from oats and whole wheat flour)
- Protein: moderate (from peanut butter and oats)
- Cholesterol: 0
