If you’re on the hunt for a treat that satisfies your chocolate cravings while also packing in nutritious ingredients, look no further than these Soft & Chewy Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars. With the richness of cocoa powder, the comfort of peanut butter, and the heartiness of oats, these bars hit the sweet spot between dessert and wholesome snack. Whether you enjoy them as a mid-morning energy boost, a post-workout snack, or a guilt-free dessert, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars offer the perfect combination of soft texture, chewy bite, and deep chocolate flavor. Plus, they’re made with whole ingredients and are naturally sweetened, so you can feel good about every bite.
- ✅ Double the Chocolate: Cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips make every bite rich and fudgy.
- ✅ No Refined Sugar: Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup.
- ✅ Wholesome Ingredients: Rolled oats and oat flour offer fiber and nutrition.
- ✅ Quick & Easy: One bowl, simple steps, ready in under 30 minutes.
- ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store for days of snack satisfaction.
Ingredient Breakdown & Benefits
🥜 Peanut Butter
- Adds moisture, structure, and rich flavor.
- Packed with plant-based protein and healthy fats.
- A natural binder that replaces the need for butter or oil.
🍯 Honey or Maple Syrup
- Natural sweeteners that pair perfectly with cocoa and oats.
- Lower on the glycemic index than refined sugar.
- Offer trace minerals and antioxidants.
🍫 Cocoa Powder
- Adds deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.
- Rich in antioxidants and minerals like magnesium.
🌾 Rolled Oats & Oat Flour
- Provide chewy texture and whole grain goodness.
- Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, supporting heart and digestive health.
🍫 Dark Chocolate Chips
- Add melty pockets of chocolate.
- Use 70% dark or higher for extra antioxidants.
🧁 Baking Powder & Salt
- Help the bars rise slightly and balance the sweetness.
🍦 Vanilla Extract
- Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (natural preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup oat flour
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal and cleaner slices.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Add the rolled oats, oat flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a thick, sticky batter forms.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping if desired.
5. Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Press down slightly and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is soft but not jiggly.
6. Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for an hour first.
Nutrition Information (Per Bar – Based on 9 Servings)
- Calories: 195
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
These numbers are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Recipe Variations
🍌 Banana Chocolate Bars
- Replace 2 tablespoons of sweetener with mashed banana for extra moisture and natural sweetness.
💪 Protein-Enhanced
- Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder. Add 1–2 tbsp of milk if the batter becomes too thick.
🥜 Nutty Crunch
- Mix in chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
🌾 Gluten-Free
- Ensure oats and oat flour are certified gluten-free.
🍓 Berry Surprise
- Add dried cranberries or chopped freeze-dried strawberries for a fruity twist.
Storage & Serving Tips
🧊 Fridge Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. They’ll firm up slightly and get even fudgier.
❄️ Freezer Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a warm treat.
☕ Serving Ideas
- Enjoy as a mid-morning energy bar.
- Crumble over yogurt for a high-protein breakfast.
- Pack in lunchboxes or gym bags.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of nut butter or a scoop of Greek yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars vegan? Yes—use maple syrup instead of honey and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
What if I don’t have oat flour? You can blend rolled oats into a fine flour using a food processor or blender.
Are they suitable for kids? Absolutely! These bars are naturally sweetened, nutty, and chocolatey—perfect for kids’ lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter? Yes! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.
How can I make them lower in sugar? Reduce the amount of honey/maple syrup by 1–2 tablespoons or substitute with a few drops of stevia or monk fruit extract.
SEO + RPM Strategy
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Final Thoughts
These Soft & Chewy Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars strike the perfect balance between decadence and health. They offer intense chocolate flavor, chewy texture, and a hearty boost from oats and peanut butter—all with no refined sugar or white flour. They’re versatile, freezer-friendly, and easy to prep ahead for the week.
Bake them once, and they’ll quickly become one of your go-to healthy treats. Whether you enjoy them with coffee, as a snack, or for dessert, they’ll always hit the spot.