Healthier Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

Short Description

These Healthier Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars are chewy, naturally sweetened, and packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or an on-the-go energy boost. Made with oats, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, these bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with wholesome ingredients – No refined sugar or processed additives.
• Easy and quick – One bowl, minimal prep, and no fancy equipment needed.
• Naturally sweetened – Honey or maple syrup provides just the right amount of sweetness.
• Great for meal prep – Make a batch and enjoy all week.
• Kid-friendly – A delicious way to sneak in healthy ingredients.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• Peanut butter (natural, creamy or chunky)
• Honey or maple syrup
• Mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce
• Egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon
• Dark chocolate chips (or dairy-free chocolate chips)
• Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for extra fiber and nutrients)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), mashed banana (or applesauce), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and chia or flaxseeds (if using). Mix until well combined.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips – Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and set.
6. Cool and Slice – Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
7. Enjoy! – Serve immediately or store for later.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9-12 bars
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nut-Free Option – Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead of peanut butter.
• Extra Protein – Add a scoop of protein powder for a post-workout snack.
• More Crunch – Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
• Fruit Additions – Add dried cranberries, raisins, or shredded coconut.
• Spiced Flavor – Increase cinnamon or add nutmeg for a warm spice kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freeze – Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
• Reheat – Warm in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them soft.

FAQs

Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use dairy-free chocolate chips.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer.

How do I make these bars gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure they’re safe for a gluten-free diet.

Are these bars crunchy or chewy?

They are soft and chewy, but you can bake them a few extra minutes for a firmer texture.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Yes! Cut back on the honey/maple syrup or use a very ripe banana for natural sweetness.

What’s the best peanut butter to use?

Natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt) works best for a healthy option.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

Do I need to store them in the fridge?

They last longer in the fridge but can be stored at room temperature for a couple of days.

Can I use almond flour instead of oats?

No, almond flour won’t provide the same structure, but you can replace some of the oats with finely ground nuts.

Are these bars good for kids?

Yes! They’re naturally sweet, packed with fiber, and a great kid-friendly snack.

Conclusion

These Healthier Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars are the perfect make-ahead snack or breakfast treat. They’re chewy, lightly sweetened, and full of nourishing ingredients to keep you energized throughout the day. Whether you enjoy them fresh, chilled, or frozen for later, these bars are sure to become a household favorite!

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