Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack perfect for breakfast or anytime. Made with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, almond flour, and natural sweeteners, they offer a balanced mix of fiber, healthy fats, and protein. The addition of dark chocolate chips provides a sweet touch without overwhelming the health benefits. Optional dried fruits and nuts add texture and extra nutrients, making these bars a great on-the-go energy boost.
- Author: lea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
Add-ins
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (or mini chocolate chips)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional, such as raisins or cranberries)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)
- 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 prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 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 fully combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the batter is uniform and all the oats and flour are well coated.
- Add mix-ins: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped nuts if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to add texture and flavor.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool and cut: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars for best texture.
- Serve and enjoy: These healthy oatmeal bars make a convenient snack or breakfast option. Enjoy them on the go or with your favorite beverage.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Use mini chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet bar.
- Feel free to omit dried fruit or nuts for a simpler version.
- If you want to keep this recipe vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use maple syrup.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For added crunch, toast nuts lightly before adding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (of 16)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: healthy chocolate chip bars, oatmeal bars, healthy snack, breakfast bars, easy baking recipe, nutritious snack, homemade granola bars