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.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with certified gluten-free oats)
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate oatmeal bars, baked oatmeal, healthy snack, breakfast bars, gluten free, easy recipe, quick snack