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When I examine my life rationally, I realize that my self-worth is not dependent upon whether or not my household of guests likes my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars.

A fork cutting an oatmeal chocolate chip bar

That said, when I set a plate of the healthy, whole wheat oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip bars before my sister, brother-in-law, and husband—all of whom are highly opinionated about their desserts—I held my breath for the table’s first reaction.

Worth affirmed.

Every single person had second helpings!

My brother-in-law had thirds, then refused to believe me when I informed him that these chewy, ooey-gooey, peanut-butter-loaded oatmeal chocolate chip bars are:

  • 100% whole grain
  • Contain ZERO refined sugar
  • Contain ZERO butter, shortening, or oil, and
  • Pack 5 grams of protein per bar

Although I make healthy tweaks to every one of my dessert recipes when I can, I’m sometimes hesitant to serve the healthiest of the healthy to guests, because I’m nervous about how they will be received.

Sure, I think that these bars are fit to make the angel choirs sing, but would someone who is used to a more traditional, sugar-and-butter-based cookie bar agree?

Healthy oatmeal chocolate chip bars

YES!

Considering that Ben spent the first 10 of the 11 years I’ve known him rarely eating any dessert aside from cookies and cream ice cream, the fact that he’s been eating these easy oatmeal chocolate chip bars after dinner AND taking one to work with him every day is further testament to their yumminess.

5 Star Review

“I gave it a try and I LOVE them! Not only were they easy to make, but they’re so tasty!”

— Kim —

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Forget those store-bought Quaker oatmeal chocolate chip bars, this recipe only needs a few simple ingredients that you probably already have lurking in your pantry.

They’re the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or simple dessert, and they’re certain to please anyone to whom you serve them.


The Ingredients

  • Peanut Butter. Peanut butter makes these bars taste ultra rich, decadent, and truly delicious. Peanut butter also gives these bars an extra boost of protein.
  • White Whole Wheat Flour. I used white whole wheat flour to lighten this recipe up without negatively impacting the texture and flavor.

Substitution Tip!

You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour instead.

  • Honey. For a touch of natural sweetness.
  • Applesauce. A healthy way to give the bars some much-needed moisture. (I also use this trick in my Vegan Brownies recipe.)
  • Vanilla. I can never resist adding vanilla with peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
  • Cinnamon. Adds coziness and warmth to the bars.
  • Oats. The nutritious base of these tasty treats. Oats are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Milk. You can use any milk you have on hand.
  • Chocolate Chips. For melty chocolatey goodness.

The Directions

  1. Beat the wet ingredients together. Add the salt.
  2. Beat in the dry ingredients. Drizzle in the milk. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  3. Transfer the dough to a baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 16 to 19 minutes. Let cool, then slice and ENJOY!
Baked oatmeal chocolate chip bars

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate bars in an airtight storage container for up to 2 weeks. 
  • To Freeze. Freeze bars in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired. 

Storage Tip

For easy snacks and desserts on demand, individually wrap your baked oatmeal chocolate chip bars before storing them in the freezer. Then, you can easily thaw and enjoy them whenever a craving hits!

Oatmeal cookie bars with chocolate chips

What to Serve with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

A healthy and delicious dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Gluten Free?

Yes, you can make these bars gluten free. Replace the white whole wheat flour with oat flour or a gluten free 1:1 baking blend.

Which Type of Peanut Butter is Best for Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars?

Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter will work best for oatmeal chocolate chip bars. I don’t recommend using refrigerated peanut butter, as it doesn’t hold together as well and can make the bars turn out with a poor texture.

Can I Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars with Almond Butter?

Yes, you can swap the peanut butter in this recipe for almond butter. As with peanut butter, I recommend using creamy almond butter.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

4.67 from 12 votes
Thick and chewy healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars. Easy, one-bowl recipe made without butter, oil, or refined sugar. The PERFECT healthy treat!

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes
Total: 33 minutes

Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients
  


Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper so that you have some overhanging the sides like "handles," then lightly coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • With an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the peanut butter, honey, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and evenly combined, about 3 minutes. Beat in the salt.
  • Sprinkle the cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda over the top. Then, sprinkle on the flour and oats. Beat until combined and the batter comes together With the mixer running on low speed, drizzle in the milk and continue beating until incorporated. The batter will be very thick. With a wooden spoon or spatula, fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Once dough is well combined, scrape it into the prepared baking dish, then press the top to make it even. Bake for 16-19 minutes, until the bars are lightly golden and just set. Do not overbake! Allow to cool completely, remove from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, then slice.

Notes

  • TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE: I haven’t tried making the bars gluten free, but I think that you could replace the white whole wheat flour with oat flour or a gluten free 1:1 baking blend.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate bars in an airtight storage container for up to 2 weeks. 
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze bars in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw and enjoy as desired. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar (of 16)Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 6gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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50 Comments

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    1. Thank you so much, Christine! A 9×13 baking dish is slightly smaller than two 8×8 baking dishes, so there may be a difference in how thick the batter is once spread around the dish. If you want to experiment with this, I recommend checking on your bars frequently during baking to make sure they’re not undercooked or overcooked. I hope this helps!

  1. I found this while looking for something different to use up 3 old bananas. . Got right to dragging everything out and realized I didn’t have honey or applesauce . .already showed the kids . .so swapped ripe smashed bananas for both the honey and the applesauce. . . All stirred together and oops only have bread flour . . So in that goes too. . After I had it in the pan . . I spy the milk on the counter . ..apparently forgot that too . . Happy to report this is a very forgiving recipe in addition to being yummy! Will do again later with all the right stuff!5 stars

  2. Made this last night and very happy with the results! Did not have peanut butter so used almond butter instead. Will definitely be making this again.5 stars

    1. I’m so happy that you enjoyed the bars, Amanda! Thank you for sharing this kind review!

  3. Hi, I am always looking for new healthy baked good recipes and this one looks great and I can’t wait to try it! Can I use peanut butter powder instead of peanut butter?

    1. Hi Sarah! I’ve only tested the recipe as written so it would be hard for me to say, but powder and the creaminess of the peanut butter are quite different. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!

  4. Love these bars! I have made them so many times over the years and they are always a hit. The only challenge is not eating them all right away!5 stars

    1. Hi Brianna! Yes it is a challenge! :) So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

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