Description
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack option packed with wholesome oats, natural sweeteners, and rich chocolate chips. Perfectly chewy and lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup or honey, they make an excellent option for a quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or treat any time of day. With simple, natural ingredients and a quick preparation time, they are ideal for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups quick-cooking oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins & Toppings
- 3/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)
- Flaky salt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the quick-cooking oats and baking powder. This will help the bars have a slight lift and texture.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg thoroughly, then stir in the nut butter, pure maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract until fully blended and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well until the batter is even and uniform. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips gently to distribute throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: 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 for a beautiful finish and extra chocolate flavor per bite.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars turn golden and feel set to the touch.
- Finish and Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and while they’re still warm, sprinkle optional flaky salt on top to enhance the flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Using quick-cooking oats helps the bars bind better and have a chewier texture; avoid using steel-cut oats.
- The flaky salt topping is optional but adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
