Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like oats, nut butter, and maple syrup or honey.
- Quick Preparation: Requires just a mixing bowl and minimal prep time.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Kid-Friendly: A great recipe to make with children.
- Health-Conscious: Free from refined sugars, using natural sweeteners instead.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky salt for topping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine oats and baking powder.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, then stir in nut butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Add Flaky Salt: Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle flaky salt over the top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing into 9 squares. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Yields 9 bars.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes.
- Total Time: About 40 minutes.
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter to make the bars nut-free.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Different Sweeteners: Experiment with agave syrup or date syrup as alternative sweeteners.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled and cut, place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
What type of oats should I use?
Quick cooking oats are recommended for a chewy texture. Rolled oats can be used but may result in a denser bar.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Ensure that you use certified gluten-free oats to make the bars gluten-free.
What kind of nut butter works best?
Almond, peanut, or cashew butter all work well. Choose a natural, unsweetened variety for the healthiest option.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can reduce the amount of maple syrup or honey, but this may affect the moisture and binding of the bars.
How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?
Ensure the mixture is well combined, and consider adding an extra tablespoon of nut butter or a splash of milk if the mixture seems too dry before baking.
Can I add protein powder to these bars?
Yes, you can add a scoop of your preferred protein powder. You may need to adjust the wet ingredients slightly to maintain the right consistency.
What’s the purpose of the flaky salt on top?
The flaky salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and adds a pleasant contrast to the flavors.
Are there alternatives to chocolate chips?
You can substitute chocolate chips with carob chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
How can I make the bars firmer?
If you prefer firmer bars, bake them for an additional 5 minutes, but monitor closely to prevent overbaking.
Conclusion
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delightful combination of wholesome ingredients and rich flavors. Whether you’re seeking a quick breakfast,
chewy Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are thick, chewy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and natural sweeteners. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a nutritious snack, these kid-friendly bars deliver indulgent flavors with no refined sugars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Flaky salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the egg, then stir in nut butter, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the wet mixture to the dry and stir until combined. Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips.
- Transfer to Dish: Spread evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes or until golden. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness.
- Add Flaky Salt: Sprinkle flaky salt immediately after baking.
- Cool and Slice: Let cool completely before slicing into 9 bars.
Notes
- Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option.
- Substitute the egg with a flax egg for a vegan version.
- For added texture, mix in dried fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
