Name: Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup whole wheat flour; 1 cup quick cooking oats; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/2 cup coconut sugar; 1 egg, whisked; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp almond milk (or other milk if nut free); 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 15 reviews

If you are looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour and quick oats with the sweet, melty joy of chocolate chips, these bars are perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a cozy dessert. They are incredibly simple to prepare, come together quickly, and provide the comforting taste of traditional oatmeal chocolate chip cookies but in an easy-to-share bar form. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving something homemade and satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up top view of a white bowl containing a mixture of oats coated with a golden brown sauce and a pile of dark brown chocolate chips on top. The oat mixture looks sticky and thick, covering most of the bowl's surface, and the chocolate chips are clustered in one area. A white spatula with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl, touching the oat mixture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled texture with a gray and white checkered cloth folded nearby photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and richness. You’ll be pleased how such simple, wholesome ingredients come together in harmony to make these bars irresistibly tasty.

Whole wheat flour: Adds a nutty depth and wholesome texture while keeping the bars hearty.
Quick cooking oats: Provides that classic chewy oatmeal bar feel and natural fiber.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise just enough for a tender but structured crumb.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the natural flavors.
Coconut oil (melted): Brings healthy fat and subtle tropical notes, plus moisture.
Coconut sugar: Sweetens with a deep caramel undertone without refined sugar’s sharpness.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness for a soft, chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aroma that complements the oats and chocolate beautifully.
Almond milk: Lightly loosens the batter while keeping it dairy-free and smooth.
Chocolate chips: The star of the show, injecting pockets of gooey, melty decadence.

How to Make Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray—this ensures the bars come out clean and intact. For thicker, chunkier bars, opt for a bread loaf pan instead. This little choice changes the bar’s height and baking time perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, quick oats, baking soda, and salt. Give them a good stir so that these key dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which helps your bars bake uniformly and keeps the texture just right.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat together the melted coconut oil, coconut sugar, whisked egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings the sweet and rich base of your bars to life and ensures every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the dry ingredients into your wet mixture and stir gently. Add in the almond milk here, which slightly loosens the batter for easy spreading without making it runny. This is the moment when your batter truly starts to resemble the perfect oatmeal chocolate chip bar base.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the best part: gently fold in the chocolate chips so that each bite promises delicious melty chocolate goodness. Don’t overmix; you want those chips evenly scattered but still distinct.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes if using the 8×8 pan, or slightly longer—14 to 16 minutes—for a thicker loaf pan version. Once golden and set, remove from the oven and let your bars cool on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

How to Serve Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe

A stack of three thick, square oatmeal bars with chocolate chips is shown on a white marbled surface. The bars are golden brown with visible oats and melted chocolate chunks scattered throughout, giving a soft, chewy texture. The top bar has a bite taken out of it, showing the moist inside with more chocolate pieces. Some crumbs are scattered around the base of the stack, adding a natural touch. The background is softly blurred with light tones, keeping attention on the bars photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair when serving your oatmeal chocolate chip bars, consider topping with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can add wonderful color and a fresh taste contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a creamy cup of coffee, tea, or a chilled glass of milk to round out your snack or breakfast time. For a heartier option, serve alongside some Greek yogurt topped with honey and nuts, which complements the bars’ texture beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares for easy party platters or pack them in mason jars layered with yogurt and fruit for a grab-and-go breakfast parfait. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes an adorable gift or lunchbox treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your oatmeal chocolate chip bars will keep beautifully at room temperature stored in an airtight container for up to five days. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead for busy mornings or snack cravings throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars fresh for longer, freeze them in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When properly stored, they can last up to three months and stay deliciously chewy when thawed.

Reheating

Warm your bars slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before eating to bring back that just-baked softness and let the chocolate chips melt slightly. This little touch makes them taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute the whole wheat flour with regular flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you prefer a lighter texture, but whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, which complements the oats wonderfully in this recipe.

Is it okay to use rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Quick oats are preferred here because they blend into the batter more smoothly, but you can use rolled oats for a chewier, more rustic texture—just expect the bars to be a bit denser.

Can I make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use a plant-based milk like your favorite nut or soy milk, which is already suggested with almond milk in the recipe.

How can I reduce the sugar content?

You can cut back on the coconut sugar slightly or substitute with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but keep in mind this may alter the texture a bit since sugar contributes to moisture and structure.

Are these bars safe for nut allergies?

If nut allergies are a concern, definitely choose a nut-free milk alternative such as oat or rice milk, and be sure to use nut-free chocolate chips. The rest of the ingredients are naturally nut-free.

Final Thoughts

There is just something so comforting about homemade oatmeal bars studded with chocolate chips, especially when they come together quickly and use wholesome ingredients. This Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Recipe is more than just a snack; it’s a little homemade moment of joy you can share anytime. I promise these bars will become a favorite in your repertoire, ready to satisfy sweet cravings and brighten busy days. Happy baking!