If you’re looking for a sweet treat that toes the line between wholesome and decadent, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars. Packed with chocolate chips and nutty almond butter, these bars bake up soft, chewy, and rich—like a cross between your favorite brownie and a hearty oatmeal snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Chocolatey: Each bite delivers a deep, fudgy chocolate flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Rolled oats, almond butter, and pure maple syrup put a nourishing spin on dessert and snack time.
- Quick and Simple Prep: Everything comes together in a single bowl—minimal mess, minimal effort, and maximum payoff!
- Perfect for All Occasions: Enjoy these Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars as a grab-and-go breakfast, a lunchbox treat, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars is selected for a reason: they’re pantry staples that, together, create magic. Each one brings a little something—chew, richness, gooeyness, or structure—to create that perfect bar texture we all crave.
- Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats provide hearty texture and chew; avoid quick oats for best results.
- Cocoa Powder: The key to deep chocolate flavor—use unsweetened for a rich, fudge-like taste.
- Milk of Choice: Keeps the bars moist and brings the batter together; dairy or plant-based both work beautifully.
- Creamy Almond Butter: Adds creamy richness and subtle nutty flavor, while helping the bars hold together.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the bars and deepens the overall flavor—plus, it keeps things refined sugar-free.
- Egg: Essential for binding the bars and giving them structure without making them dense.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolatey goodness with its sweet, aromatic note.
- Baking Powder: Just a bit lifts the bars and creates a lighter, more pleasing texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Stirred into the batter and sprinkled on top, they give melty pockets of bliss in every bite.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars is just how easy they are to switch up. Whether you need to fit what’s in the pantry, cater to dietary needs, or simply get creative, you have so many delicious options.
- Nut-Free Swap: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of almond butter for totally nut-free bars.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Opt for oat milk or almond milk and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep everything vegan-friendly.
- Add-Ins Galore: Toss in a handful of dried cherries, toasted nuts, or coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture.
- Extra Protein: Stir in a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder to make these a satisfying workout snack.
How to Make Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Step 1: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy almond butter, milk of your choice, pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is completely smooth and creamy—this is your delicious, oozy foundation for the bars, so make sure it’s fully combined with no streaks.
Step 2: Stir in the Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and chocolate chips straight into the bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together, making sure all the oats are coated and the cocoa is completely mixed in—no powdery pockets!
Step 3: Fill the Pan
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a bit overhang for easy lifting. Scrape the chocolatey batter into the pan and smooth it evenly with your spatula. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if you love that gooey, just-melted finish.
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is set and just firm to the touch. Let the bars cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes (if you can wait!). Use the parchment handles to lift them out, then slice into 8 generous bars. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while they’re still a bit warm.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
- Go for Old-Fashioned Oats: Rolled oats give these bars the best chew and structure, so avoid instant varieties—they’ll make the bars mushy.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull the bars from the oven as soon as the surface is set and springs back; a toothpick might look gooey, but they’ll firm up while cooling.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using milk and egg at room temp ensures the almond butter blends super smoothly and gives the batter the perfect texture.
- Let Them Cool: For clean slices and a fudgy center, let the bars cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting—this prevents crumbling and messy edges.
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
Garnishes
Give these chocolate oatmeal bars the finishing touch with a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking—it beautifully balances the sweetness and amps up the chocolate flavor. Or try a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for extra drama, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an old-school bakery look.
Side Dishes
Pour yourself a tall glass of cold milk, almond milk, or even a robust cup of coffee for the ultimate pairing. For breakfast, serve these bars alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries for extra protein and a bright, tangy contrast to the rich chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars high on a pretty cake stand for a brunch spread, or wrap individual bars in parchment and twine for lunchbox surprises and picnic treats. You can even cut them into small squares, skewer with toothpicks, and serve them as sweet bites at your next gathering—Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the bars are cool, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 3 days, or store them in the fridge for up to a full week—perfect for prepping snacks ahead!
Freezing
Want to stock up? Slice your cooled bars and lay them in a single layer (with parchment between if stacking) in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw at room temperature or give them a gentle warm-up in the microwave.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-from-the-oven gooey chocolate texture, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds before serving. Warm bars are next-level delicious—especially with a scoop of ice cream on top!
FAQs
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Can I make Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats and check that your baking powder and chocolate chips are also gluten-free.
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How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top feels just firm to the touch and looks set—the center may still seem slightly soft, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Can I use peanut butter instead of almond butter?
Yes! Creamy peanut butter is a great substitute and will give your bars a stronger, classic nutty flavor if that’s your preference.
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Are these bars sweet enough for dessert?
Definitely! The combination of maple syrup, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder makes Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars perfectly sweet and satisfying as a dessert or afternoon treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a comforting snack or dessert that comes together in one bowl and has just the right balance of wholesome and indulgent, give Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars a try! I hope you’ll love sharing them with friends (or keeping them all to yourself). Enjoy every fudgy, chocolatey bite!
Print
Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Chocolate Oatmeal Bars are a delightful treat that combines the goodness of oats with rich cocoa and chocolate chips. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these bars are perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1/3 cup creamy almond butter
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond butter, milk, maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredients: Add oats, cocoa powder, baking powder, and chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Prepare the baking tin: Line an 8×8 baking tin with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Top with extra chocolate chips.
- Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is firm to the touch.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool, then slice into 8 bars. Optionally, sprinkle flaky salt on top.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week. Best served warm.
Notes
- You can customize these bars by adding nuts, dried fruits, or coconut flakes.
- For a sweeter version, increase the amount of maple syrup or add a bit of honey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
