Craving a delicious treat that doesn't compromise your health goals? Get ready to fall in love with these Healthier Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Bars - a mouthwatering fusion of wholesome ingredients and decadent chocolate that will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you energized! These bars are not just a snack; they're a game-changing recipe that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and totally irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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 later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even salt distribution.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the almond butter for 20-30 seconds until slightly softened. This will make it easier to mix.
- Add honey and vanilla extract to the warmed almond butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the almond butter mixture over the oats and mix well, ensuring all oats are evenly coated.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly and evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 even bars using a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for maximum flavor and health benefits
- Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure compact, well-formed bars
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling
- For extra nutrition, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture
- Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for neat, precise bar shapes
- Experiment with different nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter for variety
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture
- For a protein boost, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
