Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Oatmeal bars are a fantastic way to pack a lot of nutrients into a portable, easy-to-eat form. When combined with the richness of chocolate chips, they make for a treat that is both delicious and filling. These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars provide the heartiness of oats, a dose of healthy fats from nuts and seeds, natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and a little indulgence from dark chocolate chips.

Introduction: Why Choose Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars?

Oats are one of the most nutritious grains available, packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. They’re known for their heart-healthy benefits, particularly their ability to lower cholesterol. Incorporating oats into a baked bar form makes them even more versatile and portable, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the benefits of oatmeal on the go.

These bars are perfect for those who are looking to avoid overly processed snacks but still want something that satisfies a sweet tooth. The use of whole grains, healthy fats, and natural sweeteners in this recipe means that each bite is not only delicious but also contributes to your overall well-being.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Wet Ingredients

1. Mash the Bananas: Start by peeling the two ripe bananas and mashing them in a large mixing bowl. A fork works well for this, but you can also use a potato masher or blender. The bananas will serve as the primary sweetener and binder for the bars.

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2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup almond milk, 1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter), and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and smooth.

3. Set Aside: Once the wet ingredients are combined, set the bowl aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients together. Add 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and chia or flaxseeds (if using). Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until fully combined. The batter will be thick and slightly sticky, which is perfect for forming bars.

2. Add the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the 1/3 cup of dark chocolate chips into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the chips to stay intact.

Step 4: Baking the Oatmeal Bars

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.

2. Transfer the Batter: Spoon the oatmeal batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, pressing it down slightly to compact it.

3. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars as they bake.

4. Cool the Bars: Once the bars are done, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.

Tips and Variations

• Make Them Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, simply swap the whole wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Sweetener Substitutes: You can substitute the honey or maple syrup with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar as a more natural alternative.
• Nut-Free Option: For a nut-free version, replace the peanut butter or almond butter with sunflower seed butter. You can also omit the seeds if necessary.
• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative by adding dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. You can also include nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Add Spices: For extra flavor, you can experiment with spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to complement the cinnamon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Too Ripe Bananas: While overripe bananas are great for sweetness, too-ripe bananas can make the batter overly mushy. Make sure they are ripe but not overly soft and brown.
• Not Pressing the Batter Down: Be sure to press the batter into the baking pan. This ensures that the bars hold together and bake evenly.
• Overbaking: Oatmeal bars can dry out if overbaked. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they remain moist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze these oatmeal bars?
Yes, these bars freeze very well! Once they’ve cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Simply thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave before eating.

How do I store leftover bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
While rolled oats are recommended for the best texture, you can use instant oats in a pinch. However, the bars may have a slightly softer texture.

Conclusion

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious, easy-to-make snack or breakfast option that combines the health benefits of oats with the sweetness of bananas and chocolate. They’re packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making them an excellent choice for those looking to fuel their day with wholesome ingredients.

Yield: 12

Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print

Oatmeal bars are a fantastic way to pack a lot of nutrients into a portable, easy-to-eat form. When combined with the richness of chocolate chips, they make for a treat that is both delicious and filling. These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars provide the heartiness of oats, a dose of healthy fats from nuts and seeds, natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup, and a little indulgence from dark chocolate chips.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

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
• 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
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips (or mini chocolate chips for less sweetness)
• 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional, such as raisins or cranberries)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or almonds)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, almond butter, applesauce, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.
5. Add mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips, dried fruit, and chopped nuts (if using).
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars.
8. Serve and enjoy: These oatmeal bars are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on the go!

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use non-dairy chocolate chips.

You can swap almond butter for peanut butter or cashew butter, depending on your preference.

These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or up to 1 week in the fridge.

For an extra boost of protein, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the wet ingredients.

Feel free to customize with other add-ins like chia seeds, flax seeds, or coconut flakes.