Healthy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chocolate chip oatmeal bars are not only gluten-free but also incredibly nutritious. The use of chickpeas adds a unique texture and boosts the protein content, while the sunflower butter and oats provide healthy fats and fiber. The maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the dark chocolate chips and shredded coconut take the flavor to the next level. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for an energy boost, these bars are a great, guilt-free option!

Ingredients

• 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas, drained
• ½ cup natural sunflower butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (plant-based if desired, approximately ⅓ cup to a scant ½ cup)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if desired)
• ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a food processor or blender, blend the drained chickpeas, sunflower butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, vanilla protein powder, salt, and shredded coconut. Stir well to mix.
4. Add the blended chickpea mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined.
5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 bars.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Baking time: 20-25 minutes
• Cooling time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Add-ins: You can add chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, or seeds like chia or flaxseeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Flavor Variations: Swap out the vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Sweetener Options: If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or add a few stevia drops to the batter.
• Coconut-Free: If you don’t like coconut, you can omit the shredded coconut and increase the amount of oats for a thicker texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. These bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe bag, and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

FAQs

Are these bars truly gluten-free?

Yes, these bars are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats. Double-check the protein powder and other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I use peanut butter instead of sunflower butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter instead of sunflower butter, but the flavor will be slightly different. Sunflower butter gives these bars a milder, nutty flavor.

Can I make these bars without protein powder?

Yes, you can omit the protein powder if you don’t have it on hand, but the texture may be slightly different, and the bars will have less protein.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute the maple syrup with honey, agave syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness level may vary.

How do I make these bars more decadent?

To make the bars more decadent, you can add more chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top after they’ve cooled.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually or place them in a freezer-safe container to store. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

You can use any type of protein powder you like, but keep in mind that this recipe works best with vanilla protein powder. Chocolate protein powder will give the bars a richer flavor.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, you can make these bars nut-free by using sunflower butter and omitting any nuts that might be added.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup used or add only half the amount of chocolate chips.

How should I store the leftover bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for long-term storage.

Conclusion

These Healthy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a delicious, nutritious, and customizable snack that will keep you energized throughout the day. With a combination of wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, oats, sunflower butter, and protein powder, these bars are packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a pre-workout snack, or just something to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are the perfect option. Easy to make, full of flavor, and completely guilt-free—give them a try today!

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