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- 2 cups rolled oats - 1/2 cup natural peanut butter - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/2 cup almond milk - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) - 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional) These simple ingredients make up a tasty and healthy snack. Rolled oats serve as a great base and add fiber. They help keep you full and satisfied. Natural peanut butter gives the bars a creamy texture and rich flavor. You can choose honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Both options work well, yet they add different tastes. If you want to switch out the peanut butter, almond butter is a great choice. It has a nice flavor too. For sweeteners, honey is thicker, while maple syrup is more fluid. Choose what you like best. You can also use any dairy-free milk. Almond milk is a popular choice, but oat or soy milk works just as well. These swaps can help match your dietary needs while keeping the bars delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the Oven: First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps lift the bars out later. 3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well until mixed. 1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a different bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup, 1/2 cup of almond milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure it is smooth and lump-free. 2. Mix Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is fully combined. 3. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips. If you like, add in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts or 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor. 1. Spread the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the lined baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press it down firmly with a spatula. 2. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a firm center. 3. Cool Down: After baking, let the dish cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. 4. Slice and Store: Once cooled, slice into individual bars. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week. To make these bars even better for you, try reducing the sweetness. You can cut down the honey or maple syrup by a tablespoon. This small change lowers the sugar and calories. Also, opt for whole grain oats instead of regular oats. They add more fiber, which helps keep you full longer. Want more flavor? Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix. Just a half teaspoon can make a big difference. You can also experiment with different mix-ins. Try adding dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, for a chewy texture. Nuts can add crunch too. Go for almonds or walnuts if you like! When serving, you can get creative! Arrange the bars on a nice platter. Drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top for a fancy touch. Pair the bars with fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas. This adds color and boosts nutrition. It makes your dish look even more inviting! Pro Tips Choose Your Peanut Butter: Opt for smooth peanut butter for a creamier texture or crunchy for added texture and flavor. Sweetness Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences; you can always add more if you like it sweeter. Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness and avoid becoming stale. Experiment with Add-Ins: Customize your bars by adding different mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or spices to enhance flavor and nutrition. {{image_4}} You can make these bars even tastier. Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. They give a nice chewiness and sweetness. You can also use different nut butters. Almond, cashew, or even sunflower seed butter work well. Each nut butter brings its unique taste. If you want a crunch, mix in crispy rice cereal. It adds a fun crunch that kids love. You can also skip the shredded coconut if you prefer. Instead, try using chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture. If you need a gluten-free option, use certified oats. This way, you can enjoy the bars without worry. For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup. This keeps the bars sweet while meeting vegan needs. To keep your Healthy Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars fresh, store them in airtight containers. This helps prevent them from drying out. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This will avoid sticking and keep them intact. You can freeze these bars for longer storage. First, cut the bars into individual pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for about three months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight. At room temperature, these bars last for about one week. If you see any mold or an off smell, it’s best to throw them out. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying a bar. Keeping them stored properly ensures they stay tasty and safe to eat. You can use other nut butters like almond or cashew. You can also try seed butters, like sunflower seed butter. These options offer similar creaminess and flavor. Always choose a natural brand with no added sugars. Yes! You can omit chocolate chips if you want. Try adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for sweetness. You could also mix in some seeds or extra nuts for a different crunch. When stored in the fridge, these bars last about a week. Keep them in an airtight container to ensure freshness. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it's best to toss them. Absolutely! You can make these bars ahead of time. Just bake and cool them, then cut into bars. Store them in an airtight container for easy grab-and-go snacks during the week. You now have a complete guide on making delicious bars with simple ingredients. From choosing rolled oats to experimenting with flavors, each choice adds to your bars. You can easily swap ingredients for your taste or needs, like using almond butter instead of peanut butter. Remember, these bars are not only tasty but also flexible. Enjoy making and sharing them with friends and family. Whether you need a snack or meal prep, these bars fit right in. Try different variations and make them your own!

Nutritious Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars

Delicious and healthy bars made with oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup natural peanut butter
  • 0.33 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup almond milk
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 0.25 cup chopped nuts
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there's some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, and salt. Stir the mixture well until all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), almond milk, and vanilla extract until the blend is smooth and no lumps remain.
  • Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated. If desired, gently fold in the chocolate chips, optional chopped nuts, and shredded coconut for additional flavor and texture.
  • Spread Mixture: Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to press down firmly, ensuring a compact and even layer.
  • Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Look for the edges to turn a golden brown and the center to be set and firm to touch.
  • Cool Down: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  • Slice and Store: After cooling completely, slice the large block into individual bars. Store these nutritious treats in an airtight container, where they will remain fresh for up to one week.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and serve with fresh fruit.
Keyword chocolate chip, healthy snack, oatmeal bars, peanut butter