Meet your new favorite grab-and-go breakfast or healthy snack: these chocolate chip almond oat bars strike the perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition. They deliver cozy almond and cinnamon notes, crunchy slivered almonds and melty chocolate chips. Take one with fruit or yogurt for an effortless no-cook morning, or enjoy one as a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
About these chocolate chip almond oat bars
These oat bars were developed for busy mornings when you need a wholesome, portable breakfast. The texture is firmer than a banana-based baked oatmeal because this version uses eggs instead of mashed banana. That gives each bar structure so it holds up well when eaten by hand. The flavor is cozy and familiar — cinnamon and almond extract create a cookie-like warmth while coconut sugar and unsweetened applesauce provide gentle sweetness without being overpowering. A handful of chocolate chips and slivered almonds give both richness and crunch.
They’re versatile: enjoy one warm from the oven or cooled for a quick snack. They store well in an airtight container and are easy to pack for work, school, or travel. If you enjoy baked oatmeal or oat-based bars, this recipe offers a healthier twist while still tasting indulgent.
Ingredients and useful notes
- Old fashioned oats — For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free oats.
- Coconut sugar (1/2 cup) — A brown, caramel-like natural sugar. If you don’t have coconut sugar, regular cane sugar, brown sugar, or an equivalent sweetener can be used.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp) — Adds warmth and depth.
- Almond extract (1 tsp) — Stronger than vanilla, it gives a distinct nutty, cookie-like flavor.
- Baking powder (1 tsp) and kosher salt (1/4 tsp) — For lift and balanced flavor.
- Unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) — Adds moisture and natural sweetness so you can use less added sugar.
- Unsweetened almond milk (1/2 cup) — Any milk will work; plant-based milks keep the recipe dairy-free.
- Eggs (2) — Provide structure and help the bars hold together.
- No sugar added chocolate chips (3/4 oz) — Choose a chip you like; chips sweetened with dates or other whole-food sweeteners are excellent options.
- Slivered almonds (1/4 cup) — Adds crunch and almond flavor.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish (lined with parchment)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups old fashioned oats, 1/2 cup coconut sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp almond extract, 1 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp kosher salt.
- Add 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, and 2 eggs. Stir until evenly combined.
- Fold in half of the chocolate chips and half of the slivered almonds so they are distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Scatter the remaining chocolate chips and slivered almonds across the top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the pan to cool completely before lifting the parchment and cutting into 8 bars.
Storage and serving tips
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to one week. They also freeze well: wrap individual bars in parchment or plastic wrap and freeze up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave. Serve with yogurt, fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter for added protein.
Nutrition & notes
Approximate nutrition per bar (1 of 8): 163 kcal, 26 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein, 5 g fat, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugar. These values are estimates and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Variation ideas: swap slivered almonds for chopped walnuts, use vanilla extract instead of almond extract if preferred, or stir in dried fruit for extra chew. For a gluten-free version be sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Weight Watchers: this recipe was previously calculated at 4 WW points per bar (individual tracking may vary).
You might also enjoy these recipe ideas:
- Healthy Mini Air Fryer Banana Bread (single-serve)
- Skinny Chocolate Banana Bread
- Almond Flour Pecan Cookies
- Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies