These healthy oatmeal bars with chocolate chips come together with simple ingredients in a matter of minutes for a sweet, nutritious breakfast or snack the whole family will love!
Why you'll love these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Move over store-bought granola bars! I've been making these oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars on repeat in my house for the last few weeks, and I don’t see them going anywhere soon.
Unlike packaged breakfast snack bars, this recipe comes together with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. With minimal prep time, they bake in less than 30 minutes and are ready in under an hour. In addition, these bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and peanut butter-free, meaning they’re great for packed lunches.
Plus, they’re soft, chewy, and full of sweet, chocolatey flavor! Trust me. You’re going to want to make a big batch because they always disappear fast.
Jump to:
- Why you'll love these Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars Ingredients & Notes
- How to make Baked Oatmeal Bars
- Tips for these Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Variations
- How to store Baked Oatmeal Bars
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars FAQs
- For more breakfast recipes, check out my:
- Recipe
- Reviews
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars Ingredients & Notes
- Eggs - These act as a binder, holding the bars together. I haven’t tested this recipe with egg substitutes and can’t guarantee your results if you do.
- Pure maple syrup - This sweetens the bars, and the sticky consistency helps them stick together. If preferred, honey will also work.
- SunButter - Look for SunButter with no added sugar. Feel free to use any kind of nut butter, just make sure it’s natural.
- Oil - I prefer avocado oil for this recipe as it has a neutral flavor and is a source of healthy fats. However, any neutral-tasting oil will do.
- Vanilla - Use pure vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness of the bars.
- Quick oats - Do not substitute old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats for this recipe! If needed, make sure to use an oatmeal brand that’s certified gluten-free.
- Mini chocolate chips - I prefer to use mini chocolate chips over full-sized varieties so you get little pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite. This Enjoy Life brand is my go-to, but any chocolate chips or chunks will work in this recipe.
How to make Baked Oatmeal Bars
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions for these oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars are in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Mix the wet ingredients. Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350F. Then, add the wet ingredients to a large bowl, and mix until well combined.
Step 2: Add the dry ingredients. Fold in the oats, sea salt, and mini chocolate chips until they’re well coated with the batter.
Step 3: Bake. Line a square baking pan with parchment paper. Then, pour the oat mixture into the pan. Use a rubber spatula to level the batter, and bake until the oats are golden brown on top.
Step 4: Serve. Allow the oatmeal mixture to cool in the pan. Then, slice your oatmeal breakfast bars, and enjoy!
Tips for these Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
- To double the recipe, double all the ingredients, and press the mixture into a 9x13 baking dish. Keep a close eye on the oven, and adjust the baking time as needed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan, packing it tightly enough for the ingredients to hold together.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, folding the dry ingredients just until they’re coated. Continuing to mix can cause your oatmeal bars to become gummy.
- Keep a close eye on your oven, and remove the bars as soon as the top looks golden brown. They’ll continue to bake and set as they cool. So, it’s okay if they look a little underdone!
- Allow your oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars to cool completely before you slice, or they’re likely to crumble and fall apart.
Healthy Oatmeal Breakfast Bars Variations
- Substitute the SunButter with creamy peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
- Mix in chopped nuts for a bit of extra crunch.
- Add a tablespoon or so of cocoa powder for an even richer taste.
- Incorporate dried fruit like raisins or dried cranberries.
- Add protein powder to make these healthy oatmeal chocolate bars even more filling.
How to store Baked Oatmeal Bars
Once cooled, you can transfer the bars to an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the layers if stacking them on top of each other to prevent them from sticking together. The bars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Can I freeze Oatmeal Bars with Chocolate Chips?
Yes! These bars freeze well, making them great for meal prep. Wrap each bar individually with plastic wrap. Then, transfer them to a sealable bag or airtight container, and freeze for 2-3 months.
Thaw your healthy oatmeal cookie bars in the fridge overnight. Or, set them out at room temperature to soften when you’re ready to eat.
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars FAQs
Some people like to soak their oats before making granola bars to make them easier to digest. However, it’s not necessary for this recipe and can impact the taste and texture of the bars.
This recipe calls for both eggs and maple syrup, which act as binders holding all the ingredients. Be sure to mix the batter thoroughly, and allow the bars to cool completely to prevent them from falling apart.
Made without refined sugar, high in fiber, and made with healthy fats and some protein, these oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars are a healthy recipe in my book! Consult your doctor with any specific concerns, and feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your needs.
For more breakfast recipes, check out my:
PS : If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star review and comment below! Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram and Pinterest to stay up to date on all tasty recipes here at The Fit Peach!
Recipe
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars
Equipment
- 1 (9x9) Baking Pan
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ⅔ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup SunButter - no sugar added
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil - or other neutral oil
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cup quick oats
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, maple syrup, SunButter, avocado oil, and vanilla until well combined.2 eggs, ⅔ cup maple syrup, ½ cup SunButter, 3 tablespoon avocado oil, 2 teaspoon vanilla
- Fold in the quick oats, sea salt, and mini chocolate chips until the oats are well coated.1 ½ cup quick oats, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- Line a 9 x 9 baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the oat mixture into the baking pan. Use a rubber spatula to level off the batter. Bake it in the oven for 24 - 28 minutes until the oats on top are golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool down before slicing them into squares and enjoy!
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