These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a game-changer! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft-baked bar that’s packed with wholesome oats, creamy almond butter, and rich chocolate. When my son, Alex, requested a healthier treat that still satisfied his sweet cravings, I knew I had to get creative. These bars were the happy result—easy to make, totally delicious, and perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a simple dessert.
The beauty of these bars lies in their simple elegance. They boast a fantastic balance of textures, from the slightly chewy oats to the melty chocolate chips, all held together by a soft, almost cake-like base. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. But the best part? These bars are both vegan and gluten-free, making them a great choice for a variety of dietary needs. Grab an apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake!
Why This Recipe Shines
These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are more than just a delicious treat—they’re a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and convenience:
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, these bars come together in a snap. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying treat without the fuss.
- Wholesome & Nutritious: Packed with oats, these bars offer a good source of fiber. The almond butter adds a dose of healthy fats and protein.
- Versatile: Enjoy them warm from the oven, chilled from the fridge, or even frozen. They’re great for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
- Adaptable: Not a fan of almond butter? Swap it out for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter! The recipe is easily customizable to your liking.
Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These soft-baked Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and delicious treat perfect for any time of day. Vegan and gluten-free, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and hearty oats, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ¼ cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup creamy almond butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup vegan chocolate chips + more for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Whisk together oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mash bananas and mix with almond butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Pour batter into the pan, sprinkle with reserved chips, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For chewier bars, slightly underbake them. If you prefer a crispier edge, lightly toast the oats before mixing them into the batter. These bars are also freezer-friendly; wrap individual squares tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Lowdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful bars:
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give these bars their chewy texture. Don’t substitute instant oats here, as they will create a mushier result.
- Oat Flour: Oat flour keeps these bars light and adds to their wholesome goodness. You can easily make your own by pulsing rolled oats in a blender until finely ground.
- Baking Powder: This is our leavening agent, providing the lift and airy texture we love.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out all the wonderful flavors.
- Mashed Bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to the bars.
- Creamy Almond Butter: Almond butter is the star of the show, lending its creamy texture and distinct flavor.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Applesauce helps bind the bars and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: For a touch of sweetness and warmth.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: Because every good oatmeal bar deserves some chocolate!
Remember to check out the Desserts category on Amazing Korean Food for more sweet treats like these.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork. Add the almond butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips, reserving a few for sprinkling on top.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- Perfectly Mashed Bananas: For extra smooth bars, use very ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and easier it is to mash. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, you can microwave them for a short burst to soften them.
- Even Baking: Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C) for even baking. An oven thermometer is a useful tool to verify the temperature accuracy.
- Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Allowing the bars to cool completely on a wire rack helps them firm up and makes slicing much cleaner. For crispier edges, try our tips on baking the perfect cookies.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Switch-Ups & Swaps
- Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for the almond butter to make these bars nut-free.
- Different Sweetener: Instead of maple syrup, try using date syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Added Crunch: Add a ¼ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or other nuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor. For a taste of Korea, browse our collection of Korean spices.
- Double Chocolate: For an extra dose of chocolate, mix in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the dry ingredients.
Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of rolled oats?
While you can technically use quick-cooking oats, it’s not recommended. Quick-cooking oats absorb liquid differently and will result in a denser, mushier bar. Rolled oats provide the ideal texture for these bars.
Are these bars really gluten-free?
Yes, these bars are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oat flour and rolled oats. Always double-check labels to be sure.
How do I store these bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I make these bars without any added sugar?
The bananas provide a good amount of natural sweetness, but for the best results, a small amount of added sweetener is recommended. You can experiment with reducing the amount of maple syrup or using a sugar substitute, but this may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
How to Serve
- Breakfast on the go: Enjoy these bars as a quick and easy breakfast paired with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Snack attack: They’re the perfect afternoon snack to keep you satisfied until dinner. Check out our quick lunch ideas for more inspiration.
- Sweet treat: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
- Lunchbox delight: Pack them in kids’ lunchboxes for a wholesome treat they’ll love.
Final Thoughts
These Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars have become a staple in our home. They’re the kind of treat that disappears within minutes, leaving everyone wanting more. I hope they bring the same joy to your kitchen! Share your delicious creations with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Don’t forget to explore our other yummy recipes in our Breakfast section. Happy baking!
