Description
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars combine wholesome rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners for a nutritious and delicious snack. Enhanced with dark chocolate chips, optional nuts, and dried fruits, these bars are perfect for a satisfying treat or on-the-go breakfast option. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a balanced mix of fiber and protein while keeping the indulgence guilt-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried fruits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon very well to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and egg until you achieve a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bars tender.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the dark chocolate chips along with optional chopped nuts and dried fruits, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly using a spatula for uniform thickness.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack before cutting into squares or bars to maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- For vegan option, replace the egg with a flax egg and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey or maple syrup amounts according to taste.
- Swap nuts and dried fruits with your preferred mix-ins or omit for nut-free version.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars make an excellent on-the-go breakfast or healthy snack option.
