These bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and satisfying. They’re made with heart-healthy oats, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, and nutrient-rich nut butter for a boost of protein and good fats. Unlike traditional cookie bars, these are flourless, gluten-free (if using certified oats), and come together quickly in one bowl with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Rolled oats
Almond flour or oat flour
Natural peanut butter or almond butter
Maple syrup or honey
Eggs or flax eggs
Vanilla extract
Baking soda
Sea salt
Dark chocolate chips or chunks
Coconut oil (optional, for extra moisture)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add in the oats, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top and gently press them into the surface.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 bars. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Vegan: Use flax eggs and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Nut-free: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Add-ins: Mix in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut.
Low sugar: Reduce the chocolate chips or use stevia-sweetened ones.
Extra protein: Add a scoop of protein powder and adjust wet ingredients as needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap bars individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. No reheating necessary—just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.
FAQs
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free oats and oat or almond flour, the bars are gluten-free.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely. Use flax eggs and vegan chocolate chips to keep them plant-based.
What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for texture and structure. Avoid instant oats.
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but the bars won’t be gluten-free and may have a slightly different texture.
How sweet are these bars?
They are mildly sweet from the maple syrup and chocolate chips, but not overly sugary.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, just reduce the amount of oats or flour slightly to keep the texture balanced.
Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
They don’t have to be, but refrigeration helps them stay fresh longer and makes them chewier.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, use seed butter like sunflower seed butter and make sure your chocolate chips are nut-free.
Why are my bars crumbly?
They may have been overbaked or need a bit more binding (try adding an extra egg or tablespoon of nut butter).
Can kids eat these?
Yes, these bars are kid-friendly and make great lunchbox or after-school snacks.
Conclusion
Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are a nourishing way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on ingredients. With their chewy texture, gooey chocolate, and balanced sweetness, they’re a go-to recipe for anyone craving a wholesome treat. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, these bars will become a staple in your healthy snack rotation.
Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are chewy, wholesome snack bars made with oats, nut butter, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey. These flourless, gluten-free bars are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Add oats, almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
Fold in chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and press flat.
Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the top and gently press them in.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 bars.
Notes
Use flax eggs and dairy-free chocolate chips to make the recipe vegan.For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.Add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut can be mixed in.Add protein powder for an extra protein boost—adjust oats as needed.Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
