Description
These Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack. Made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and packed with dark chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures with a nutritious boost from wholesome ingredients.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain the bars’ tender texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Extras: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips along with optional chopped nuts and dried fruits to add texture and flavor variety.
- Transfer and Press: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula to form an even layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set, indicating the bars are baked through.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into squares or bars for serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars from the baking dish.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg or mashed banana and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Customize add-ins with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
