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Oatmeal Breakfast Bars with Chocolate Chips

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free option)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed (or ½ cup unsweetened applesauce)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • ¼ cup melted coconut oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Add-ins:
  • ½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute everything.
  • Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add honey (or maple syrup), nut butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until creamy and well combined.
  • Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures : Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until everything is evenly moistened — the mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
  • Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts : Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts (if using). Reserve a few chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking for a pretty finish.
  • Step 6: Bake the Bars : Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or spatula to compact it. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
  • Step 7: Cool and Slice : Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into bars or squares.