Description
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat made with wholesome ingredients like quick-cooking oats, natural nut butter, and a touch of pure maple syrup or honey for sweetness. Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, these bars combine chewy texture and rich chocolate chips with the subtle crunch of flaky salt on top. They are easy to make, gluten-free if using gluten-free oats, and provide a wholesome energy boost.
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 and Toppings
- 3/4 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: 1/2 cup for batter, 1/4 cup for topping)
- 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, ensuring the sides are covered for easy bar removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of quick-cooking oats with 1 teaspoon of baking powder, making sure the baking powder is evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 egg until smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup of your choice of nut butter, 3/4 cup of pure maple syrup or honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips gently to spread the chocolate through the batter.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Toppings: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing lightly to level the surface. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the batter.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and are set in the middle.
- Add Finishing Touch and Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and while still warm, sprinkle with flaky salt if using. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking pan before lifting out and slicing into 9 squares.
Notes
- For gluten-free bars, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats.
- You can substitute the egg with a flax egg to make these bars vegan-friendly.
- Use almond, peanut, or cashew butter depending on your flavor preference.
- Adjust sweetness by using more or less maple syrup or honey.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
