Sometimes I just get inspired for a new recipe by what I have in the house. I was making overnight oats this weekend and for some reason I got the urge to make oatmeal bars. I’ve made oatmeal bars before (see the list below) but this one I made with ingredients I had readily available not based on seasonal items. All this to say that this will make for a great year round meal prep recipe for anyone looking for a one-bowl no-brainer recipe.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars Ingredients
This recipe can be made completely gluten-free & dairy-free and you can even sub in a few items to make it work with what you have on hand. Let’s explore the ingredients for the chocolate peanut butter oatmeal bars.
Rolled oats : If you need this recipe to be gluten-free make sure you buy certified gluten-free oats.
Baking powder: nothing special just helps it rise, no biggie. I prefer the brands without aluminum as it has an off-flavor to me when aluminum is involved.
Peanut powder: If you don’t have peanut butter powder on hand, I suggest grinding up some oats to make oat flour and subbing that OR almond flour. You can also try protein powder as well but would go for an unsweetened variety.
Cocoa powder: I buy mine from Trader Joe’s but any unsweetened cocoa powder will do as it just adds a hint of chocolate to the bars.
Maple syrup: Living in upstate NY means this is my liquid sweetener of choice. However, if you want you can sub in honey instead.
Eggs: I always keep eggs on hand and if you want these to be vegan you can certainly make flax eggs but I have not tried it so if you do let me know in the comments
Peanut butter: any nut/seed butter will do, just use what you have on hand. I prefer using one that is slightly salted with no sweetener added.
Unsweetened Applesauce: bananas do not agree with my stomach and it seems that most oatmeal bars and breads call for bananas so I decided to switch it up. If you prefer banana, feel free to mash one up and use in place of the applesauce.
Vanilla extract: I used to make my own with vanilla beans & bourbon but it’s been a minute so feel free to buy it from the store and make sure it’s pure not imitation.
Chocolate chips: I won’t judge you if you end up not measuring out the chocolate chips and just go by feel. If you need these to be dairy-free ensure that you get a brand that is dairy-free.
How to Make these Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
I know that some baking zealots may tell me I’m wrong for putting every ingredient together all at once but I’m not entering a baking show and I don’t have time for perfection. So, I’m here to tell you that if you want to, you can mix the dry and then add the wet OR you can be lazy like me and save on dishes. Here’s how you make these bars, the lazy way…
Add all ingredients but the chocolate chips to a large bowl and mix until combined
Fold in chocolate chips
Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and place in oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until baked through. Let cool. You will know it’s baked through by sticking a knife in the center and it should come out clean!
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How to Serve These Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars
This recipe technically makes 12 bars BUT don’t feel like you have to do that. Frankly these bars are so filling you can cut them into 6 even bars and you have yourself a breakfast. A few other ideas:
Add some Greek yogurt and sliced banana on top to make it more of a breakfast bar
Drizzle peanut butter and some extra chocolate chips for an afternoon pick-me-up
Serve it warm and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert
Now that you’ve got all the oats you could ever want, here’s the recipe for simple one bowl Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars that you came here for in the first place. Enjoy!
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 8”x8”glass baking dish with parchment paper
Add all ingredients but the chocolate chips to a large bowl and mix until combined
Fold in chocolate chips
Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish and place in oven
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until baked through. You will know it’s baked through by sticking a knife in the center and it should come out clean! Let cool
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Notes
Swaps:
Peanut Powder: use almond flour, oat flour, protein powder or regular flour
Applesauce: use mashed banana, pumpkin puree or pureed sweet potato
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 bar
Calories:206
Fat:10
Carbohydrates:25
Fiber:3
Protein:7
xoxo,
Sassy
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