Thick, chewy, and naturally sweetened, these healthy chocolate chip oatmeal bars make the perfect snack or dessert. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and maple syrup, they strike the right balance between indulgent and nutritious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the oats and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then stir in the nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 30 minutes until golden and set.
Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt.
Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 9 squares.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 356 kcal per bar
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Gluten-Free: Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
Extra Protein: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
Different Sweeteners: Try coconut sugar or date syrup instead of honey or maple syrup.
Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
Freezer: Freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer texture.
FAQs
How do I make these bars vegan?
Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
Yes, but the texture will be a bit chewier. I recommend pulsing them in a blender for a few seconds to break them down slightly.
What’s the best nut butter to use?
Any nut butter works, but I prefer almond or peanut butter for their flavor and creaminess. Make sure to use natural, unsweetened nut butter.
Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?
Yes, you can slightly reduce the maple syrup or honey, but the texture may change slightly. Try using ½ cup instead of ¾ cup.
Why do I need to let the bars cool before slicing?
Letting them cool completely helps them set, making them easier to cut into clean squares without crumbling.
Conclusion
These healthy chocolate chip oatmeal bars are the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and satisfying. Whether I need a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a healthy dessert, these bars always hit the spot. With simple ingredients and easy prep, they are a staple in my kitchen.
Recipe:
Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These thick, chewy, and naturally sweetened healthy chocolate chip oatmeal bars are the perfect guilt-free snack or dessert! Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, nut butter, and maple syrup, they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. With no refined sugars and easy one-bowl preparation, these bars are great for meal prep, on-the-go snacking, or a healthy treat.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the oats and baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, then stir in the nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.
- Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and set.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into 9 squares.
Notes
Nut-Free Option: Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Extra Protein: Add 1 scoop of protein powder for a protein boost.
Alternative Sweeteners: Try coconut sugar or date syrup instead of honey or maple syrup.
Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 356 kcal per bar
