Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars One Bowl Recipe Wellplated Com

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 grainContain ZERO refined sugarContain ZERO butter, shortening, or oil, andPack 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? 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.

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.

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

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.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Baking Pan. This is my favorite baking pan for making oatmeal cookie bars! Parchment Paper. These pre-cut sheets are fantastic too.Hand Mixer. An easy way to mix the oatmeal bar batter.