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If you want a snack that feels indulgent but still fuels your family well, these chocolate chip oatmeal bars deliver. They are naturally sweetened with maple syrup, packed with whole grains, and come together with about five minutes in just one mixing bowl.
If you are looking for wholesome snack for you or your picky kids, put these soft and chewy oatmeal bars on your must-make list. Along with no-bake granola bars and peanut butter oatmeal bars, they use simple ingredients to deliver a satisfying, kid-friendly snack.
Kristen's Keys for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars
A few small details make a big difference here and paying attention to these will help you get soft, chewy bars that are packed with nutrients, protein, and fiber.
- Opt for whole grains. Using rolled oats already gives these bars a boost of fiber and nutrients, but swapping all-purpose flour for whole wheat or white whole wheat an extra nutritional boost without changing the texture much.
- Greek yogurt is key. It adds protein, calcium, and moisture while reducing the need for oil.
- Use parchment paper. This makes pressing the batter into the pan easier and lets you lift the bars out cleanly for neat slices.
How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Think of this as me guiding you through the steps, giving a few tips along the way so everything turns out just right.
Step One: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, salt, and baking soda. Toss in chocolate chips to coat, which will help them stay evenly distributed, rather than sinking to the bottom.
Step Two: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the yogurt, oil, maple syrup, vanilla, and whisked egg the the mixing bowl and gently fold together until just combined. Use a gentle hand to keep your bars soft and chewy, rather than dense.
????????Whisk the egg first. Mixing the egg in a small bowl before adding to the dry ingredients helps it to blend smoothly into the ingredients without overworking the batter. It also helps to prevent shells from getting into your bars.
Step Three: Bake
Transfer the mixture into a parchment lined baking sheet and press the batter into an even layer. Bake until the top is firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
????????Avoid overbaking. These oatmeal bars are best when baked just until set, as overbaking dries them out, rather than giving you bars that are soft and chewy.
Step Four: Cool Before Serving
Let the bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out with parchment and cool another 10 minutes before cutting. This helps the bars to hold their shape when cut, rather than crumbling apart.
Recipe Modifications
- Other Ideas for Mix-Ins: In place or addition to chocolate chips, add chopped nuts or dried fruit. Be sure to use no more than 1 cup total.
- Egg-Free: Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes). Bars will be denser but still tasty.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Oil-Free: Substitute unsweetened applesauce for coconut oil.
- Dairy-Free: Use mashed banana or applesauce instead of yogurt and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free (or omit).
More Wholesome Treats
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins
- Peanut Butter Banana Bars
- Homemade Larabars
- Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup rolled oats, quick-cook or old-fashioned
- ½ cup whole wheat flour, or all-purpose
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper or grease well with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt together. Add in the chocolate chips and toss to coat.
- Add the whisked egg, oil, yogurt, maple syrup, and vanilla to the oat mixture and fold together until the ingredients are just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Dollop the batter into the prepared pan, and carefully spread out the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until set and slightly golden.
- Remove the bars from the oven and place them on a cooling rack for 10-15 minutes. Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cool completely. Cut into bars and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These look amazing! Any suggestions for making them dairy free? I have dairy free chocolate chips on hand, but I'm not sure what to do with the Greek yogurt. Coconut yogurt seems too thin for a substitute.
Hi Melanie I would use either mashed banana or peanut butter as as substitute. You can use coconut yogurt as well, but start with only 1/4 cup. If batter appears still too thick, use the full 1/3 cup. Enjoy!
Anytime you can make brownies healthier is a win in my book! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe at The Pin Junkie. It's being featured at this week's party and pinned!
Thank you so much Bonnie. I look forward to partying with you again this weekend.
These look so yummy! I left a link back and a shout out to you in my post "Saturday Morning Coffee Thoughts" this morning.
http://www.carecreatecook.blogspot.com/2015/04/saturday-morning-coffee-thoughts_18.html
Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much Dori--I really appreciate the shout-out. I will visit your site for sure 🙂
Can't wait to try these! Do you mix by hand or use a stand mixer? Thanks.
Either one is fine, I use my stand mixer--because it is SO fast, but only mix until just combined!
Loved that you used homemade yogurt and whole wheat in this recipe! Looks amazing!
Thanks so much Josie.
Yummy and gooey, healthy and chocolatey! What's not to like?! Visiting from Two Cup Tuesday Linky Party. 🙂
Thanks Kim. I love that you found me from Two Cup Tuesday--such a fun party!
healthy and dark chocolate? Sounds like the perfect combination 🙂
Yes indeed!