Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

why make this recipe

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars are a delicious treat that blends healthy ingredients with a sweet, satisfying flavor. They are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a light dessert. The combination of oats, dates, and chocolate chips makes these bars not only tasty but also nutritious. You can enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they are made with wholesome ingredients. Plus, they are easy to make and can be stored for later, making them a convenient option for busy days!

how to make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup date sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (or butter, melted)
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates (about 10-11 dates)
• 2 Tablespoons almond butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Soak the dates in warm water while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the oatmeal bar ingredients.
4. Remove the pits from the dates and chop them into small pieces.
5. In a blender, combine the date filling ingredients: chopped dates, almond butter, water, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
6. Line an 8×8" pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
7. Press a little more than half of the oatmeal bar mixture into the bottom of the pan.
8. Spread the date filling evenly over the oatmeal mixture.
9. Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the date filling and press it down gently.
10. Top with chocolate chips and walnuts, pressing them lightly into the filling.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden.
12. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!

how to serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They make a great breakfast on-the-go, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat for dessert. You can pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful experience.

how to store Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

Store your Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months.

tips to make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

• Make sure to soak the dates well to soften them before blending, which will give you a smooth date filling.
• Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to customize the flavor to your liking.
• If you want a stronger chocolate flavor, try adding more chocolate chips on top or use chocolate chunks instead.

variation

You can easily customize these bars by using different nut butters, such as peanut butter or cashew butter. You can also use different types of nuts, like pecans or almonds, or even add seeds like chia or flaxseeds for extra nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular sugar instead of date sugar?
Yes, you can use regular sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer. Just keep in mind that date sugar offers a unique flavor and sweetness.

2. What can I substitute for almond flour?
If you need a substitute for almond flour, you can use all-purpose flour or another nut flour like hazelnut flour.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are lightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Enjoy your homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars! They are a simple and healthy treat that everyone will love!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars

A delicious treat blending healthy ingredients with a sweet flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 pieces

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Oatmeal Bar Base

• 1/3 cup date sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil (or butter, melted)
• 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 3/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates (about 10-11 dates) Soaked in warm water

Filling and Topping

• 2 Tablespoons almond butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks)
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Soak the dates in warm water while preparing other ingredients.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the oatmeal bar base ingredients.
4. Remove pits from the dates and chop them into small pieces.
5. In a blender, combine the filling ingredients: chopped dates, almond butter, water, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
6. Line an 8x8" pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Assembly and Baking

1. Press a little more than half of the oatmeal bar mixture into the bottom of the pan.
2. Spread the date filling evenly over the oatmeal mixture.
3. Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the date filling and press it down gently.
4. Top with chocolate chips and walnuts, pressing them lightly into the filling.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Notes

Make sure to soak the dates well to soften them before blending for a smooth date filling. Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for customization.