Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Make these easy, whole-grain oatmeal bars with chocolate chips. This recipe uses natural sweeteners for a healthier dessert or breakfast option.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (60% cacao or higher)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the mashed banana, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Press the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
- Cut into 16 squares.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the whole wheat pastry flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- You can substitute the maple syrup with honey if desired.
- For make-ahead meal prep, store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 75
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0