Healthier Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Bars

It’s hard to be healthy when all you crave is baked goods. At 38 weeks pregnant all I want are sweets. After what has definitely been one too many donuts and muffins I decided it’s time to figure out a healthier solution. I found this recipe and it’s great. It uses coconut oil and it’s full of oatmeal and dark chocolate. Less calories than a donut per serving for sure so now I just have to contend with the urge to eat the whole pan in one day.

This recipe is from Half Baked Harvest and the best part is it’s so simple! The dark chocolate adds a delicious sweetness that tastes great with the oatmeal. Next time I’m going to add more dark chocolate. If it’s dark it’s healthy right?

I made my last batch with olive oil and greek yogurt in place of the coconut oil because I had run out. They are still yummy that way and maybe a bit healthier but I do like the overall texture and taste better when I use the coconut oil.

Enjoy!

Healthier Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Bars

 

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

35 mins

 

This recipe makes about 18 bars.

Author: Half Baked Harvest

Ingredients

• 2½ cup old fashioned oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup coconut oil, melted (if need you may use canola oil or I've even made these using half cup olive oil and half cup greek yogurt)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into chunks (about 1½ cups)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with foil or parchment papper.
3. In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, add the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, melted coconut oil, eggs and vanilla and beat until combined. Mix in 1 cup of the dark chocolate.
4. Pour batter out into prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the rest of dark chocolate on top.
5. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Be careful not to overcook. I usually start checking them right before the 20 minute mark to make sure they aren't overcooking. Once done, let cool in pan for at least 30 minutes.

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