Delicious Nutty and Chocolate Oatmeal Bars Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen, where I whip up delicious and nutritious treats that are sure to satisfy your cravings while also keeping you healthy! Today, I want to share with you a recipe for Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with flavor.
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am passionate about creating recipes that not only taste great but also provide our bodies with the nourishment they need. That’s why I developed this recipe using wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, walnuts, and pure maple syrup.
These Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, as an afternoon snack, or even served as dessert with a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream. The best part is that they are easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary needs.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy breakfast option or a satisfying snack to get you through the day, these Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars are sure to be a hit. Get ready to indulge in a guilt-free treat that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know those days when all you crave is a delicious and satisfying snack? Look no further than these Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars that will surely satisfy any cravings. These decadent bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free (if you prefer), making it a perfect snack for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies.
But let me tell you, there’s so much more to love about these bars beyond the fact that they’re allergen-friendly. These bars are filled with wholesome ingredients such as rolled oats, walnuts, unsweetened applesauce, and pure maple syrup. Not to mention the chocolate chips added in to give it an extra dose of sweetness.
What sets this recipe apart from others is the combination of flavors and textures that make every bite absolutely divine. The nuts add a satisfying crunch, while the raisins provide an additional chewy texture that complements the softness of the bars perfectly. Trust me when I say that each bite will provide a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth.
Not only are these bars easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile. Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go or a midday pick-me-up snack, these Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars cater to every taste bud and occasion. You can even switch up the recipe by adding in different mix-ins like dried cranberries or chopped dates if you’re feeling adventurous.
These bars are not only delicious but also provide a healthy alternative to typical pre-packaged granola bars found at your local grocery store. Plus, each bar is so filling that one should suffice! So why settle for bland or unhealthy snacks when you can have these decadent Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars instead? Trust me; your taste buds will thank you later!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients needed for making these delicious Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- 1 cup gluten-free baking mix
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon guar gum
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup melted butter or dairy-free butter of your choice
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup nut butter of your choice (peanut butter or almond butter)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped raw walnuts
- ¾ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- ½ cup raisins
Note that you can use any kind of nuts or dried fruit you prefer, depending on your taste and availability.
In case you’re allergic to any nuts, you can simply exclude them and still enjoy the recipe full and satisfying.
Now we have our ingredients ready! Let’s move on to the recipe how-to!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of nut flour (you can use almond or any other nut butter of your choice), ¼ cup of coconut sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of baking soda, and a pinch of sea salt. This is your dry mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, ½ cup of melted butter (or coconut oil for vegan option), ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce, and ½ cup of pure maple syrup until well combined. This is your wet mixture.
Step 4: Combine The Mixtures
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. If you want, you can also mix in some additional ingredients such as raisins or walnuts for extra flavor and texture.
Step5: Bake the Mixture
Pour the mixture into the lined baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Enjoy these delicious gluten-free and dairy-free oatmeal-chocolate bars for breakfast or as a healthy snack on-the-go!
Substitutions and Variations
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I understand dietary restrictions and preferences can vary greatly. That is why I love sharing substitutions and variations to accommodate everyone’s needs.
For nut-free options, swap out the walnuts for dried cranberries or raisins. For peanut allergies, use almond or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. If you are looking for a dairy-free recipe, simply replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
To add more depth of flavor to the oatmeal bars, try substituting some of the ingredients. Instead of using chocolate chips, opt for chocolate-covered almonds or even add in banana slices for a fresh twist. For those looking to cut down on sugar intake, consider replacing the pure maple syrup with honey or date syrup.
If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, do not worry as this recipe is already gluten-free. However, if you do not have gluten-free baking mix on hand, simply use oat flour and guar gum in equal parts to replace it. Oat flour is made by grinding up rolled oats, making it a great substitution for those with gluten sensitivities.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts and fruits to mix things up! Chopped raw almonds or pecans pair beautifully with these oatmeal chocolate bars while dried apricots and figs add natural sweetness.
Overall, these substitutions and variations can help personalize your oatmeal bars recipe while still enjoying all the health benefits of gluten-free and dairy-free eating.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these delectable Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars, it’s time to think about how best to serve and pair them with other delicious treats. These bars are perfect in the morning as a quick and healthy breakfast or as a mid-day snack. For a morning option, warm up a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and pair it with fresh fruit or yogurt for a well-rounded meal.
If you’re serving these bars as a snack, try pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat. The nutty flavor of the walnuts pairs perfectly with an earthy cup of coffee, while the chocolate chips provide just enough sweetness to balance out any bitterness.
For those with adventurous taste buds, try crumbling these bars over ice cream or frozen yogurt for an indulgent dessert treat. If you want to go the extra mile, drizzle some caramel sauce or melted chocolate over your sweet creation for a truly decadent dessert experience.
These Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways depending on your mood and creativity. The sky’s the limit when it comes to serving and pairing these delicious treats!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can make these Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars ahead of time and store them for up to a week. Be sure to cool them completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature.
For longer storage, you can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Make sure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
When it’s time to enjoy your bars, simply remove them from the refrigerator or freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. They are perfect for breakfast on-the-go, quick snack, or dessert!
If you want to reheat the bars, place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F. Alternatively, you can microwave the bars on high for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the bars to become dry and lose their flavor.
Remember that gluten-free baked goods tend to have a shorter shelf life than traditional baked goods, so it’s best to consume these Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars within a week or two of making them. That said, we doubt they’ll last that long!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips to ensure that your Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars come out just the way you want them:
Firstly, make sure to toast the oats and walnuts before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will add a depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch to the bars.
Second, be sure to use gluten-free baking mix that contains guar gum. Guar gum helps to bind everything together and gives the bars their signature texture.
Third, measure your ingredients accurately, especially if you’re making substitutions or variations. Adding too much of one ingredient can throw off the balance of the recipe and affect the final result.
Next, let the bars cool completely before cutting into them. This will help them hold their shape and prevent crumbling.
For a change in flavor, try experimenting with different nut or seed butters, such as peanut or almond butter, or adding raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Lastly, store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them for longer, freeze them for up to three months.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and healthy Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars every time!
Bottom Line
your baking session with these delicious Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars that are gluten-free and dairy-free. With the perfect blend of oatmeal, walnuts, raisins, and chocolate chips in every bite, you will enjoy both the taste and the nutrition. This recipe is a sure shot for those who follow a healthy eating lifestyle or have several food allergies.
These oatmeal bars are easy to make and require minimal clean-up. You can adapt this recipe with your favorite substitutions like almond flour instead of oat flour, honey instead of maple syrup, or even try adding some bananas for extra flavor.
So go ahead and indulge in these healthy treats and spread the love by sharing them with friends and family! They make for a perfect snack anytime during the day- as breakfast bars or to curb those mid-day hunger pangs. It’s an excellent alternative for the store-bought granola bars that contain excess sugar and preservatives.
In conclusion, with the right ingredients, preparation and attitude towards life, eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on taste or satisfaction. Embrace this guilt-free Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bar recipe as a part of your life, support it with healthy habits and enjoy every moment without any regret!
Nutty Oatmeal-Chocolate Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup natural cane sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 cups gluten free rolled oats
- 1 cup gluten free baking mix
- 1 teaspoon guar gum
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together syrup, sugar, butter, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt, oats, flour, guar gum and walnuts. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just moistened.
- Add chocolate chips or raisins and stir again until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
- Spread mixture evenly in pan. Bake on center rack for about 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool at least 10 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.