Imagine sinking your teeth into a deliciously wholesome cookie bar that satisfies your sweet tooth while nourishing your body. These Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars are not just another dessert – they're a game-changing snack that proves healthy eating can be absolutely mouthwatering! Packed with nutritious ingredients and rich chocolate chunks, these bars are about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast, a busy parent, or simply someone who loves indulging smartly, this recipe is your ticket to guilt-free deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), chia seeds, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a cohesive mixture.
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Ensure the surface is smooth and compact.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. The cooling process allows the bars to firm up and become easier to cut.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal-sized bars using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a more consistent texture.
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the oats before mixing for enhanced flavor.
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate chunks for maximum flavor and antioxidants.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure compact, easy-to-cut bars.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- For a vegan version, swap honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chunks.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
- For meal prep, these bars can be frozen for up to a month – just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
