Delicious Homemade Chocolate Oat Bars (Gluten and Dairy-Free Option)
When you're craving something sweet but want to keep it wholesome, these **Chocolate Oat Treats** are the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. With simple, natural ingredients and a dairy-free option, these bars are great for a quick snack and delicious dessert. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient treat for any time of day.
Our family deems them better than candy bars!!
Why You'll Love These Bars
These bars have all the gooey, rich chocolate goodness you'd expect from a candy bar, but with the added benefits of oats and nut butter. They’re not only satisfying, but the combination of fiber, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness make them a better alternative to processed snacks. And if you're looking to make them dairy-free, plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips make it an easy switch!
Ingredients You'll Need:
**Butter (or Plant-Based Butter):** The base for that rich flavor, or swap for a plant-based version if you’re dairy-free.
**Brown Sugar & Honey:** A mix of natural sweetness that holds everything together.
**Vanilla & Cinnamon:** The subtle flavors that complement the oats and chocolate perfectly.
**Oats:** A combination of old-fashioned and quick oats gives these bars the perfect texture.
**Chocolate Chips & Nut Butter:** A rich, creamy fudge-like layer that takes these bars to the next level. You can use peanut butter, almond butter, or coconut oil.
How to Make These Chocolate Oat Treats
**Ingredients:**
- 1/2 cup butter (plant-based butter for dairy-free)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup nut butter (your choice of coconut oil, peanut butter, or almond butter)
Directions:
1. Prepare Your Pan:
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough to hang over two sides. This will make it easy to lift the bars out after chilling.
2. Cook the Oats:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the brown sugar and salt until fully combined. Lower the heat and stir in the vanilla, oats, and cinnamon until everything is mixed together nicely. Remove from heat.
3. Layer the Oats:
Press about half of the oat mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your hands to create an even base.
4. Make the Chocolate Layer:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and nut butter (or coconut oil) together. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the oat base, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top and gently press it down to ensure the layers stick together.
6. Chill and Set:
Cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least one hour. Once firm, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan and slice into squares.
Storage Tips:
You can store these bars in the fridge for a week, or freeze them for up to a month. They’re great for packing in lunches or as an afternoon pick-me-up!
Why Make These Bars?
Not only are they easy to customize (with dairy-free options, nut butter variations, or even add-ins like dried fruit or coconut), but they’re also a healthier alternative to store-bought treats. Whether you're satisfying a sweet tooth or need a quick snack, these chocolate oat bars will become a go-to in your kitchen.
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**Enjoy this recipe? Let me know in the comments if you tried it or if you added your own twist!**
