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Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars

These Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a quick, wholesome, and delicious treat combining hearty old-fashioned oats with rich dark chocolate. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, they offer a nutritious and indulgent balance with easy preparation and customizable flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean edges.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk together to distribute the baking powder and spices evenly.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully blended to create a moist and sweet base.
  4. Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips last, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to help them set firmly and avoid crumbling.

Notes

  • Use old-fashioned oats for the best chewy texture; quick oats will result in softer bars.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough bars.
  • Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
  • Adjust sweetness by tasting the batter before adding baking powder.
  • Let bars cool fully to solidify and enhance flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate oatmeal bars, baked oatmeal, healthy snack, breakfast bars, gluten free, easy recipe, quick snack