Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Oat Bars
Highlighted under: Creative Baking Inspiration
When it comes to game day, I want snacks that are both delicious and easy to share with friends. These Chocolate Oat Bars are a personal favorite of mine because they perfectly balance rich chocolate with wholesome oats. I love how the chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness make them completely irresistible. Plus, they can be made in under 30 minutes, allowing me to whip them up even on the busiest of days. Trust me, these bars will be the star of your Super Bowl spread!
These Chocolate Oat Bars have become my go-to treat for any gathering, especially during the Super Bowl. After experimenting with various ingredients, I found that using rolled oats gives them a delightful chewiness while providing a healthful twist. I like to sprinkle some sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-and-salty combination that keeps everyone reaching for more!
Every time I make these bars, they disappear in a flash. I’ve found that allowing them to cool completely before cutting helps them hold their shape better. So, if you plan to prep these ahead of time, let them sit for a bit – you won’t regret it!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with hearty oats
- Chewy texture that satisfies sweet cravings
- Quick and easy to make for any occasion
Texture and Flavor Profile
The combination of rolled oats and almond flour creates a delightful chewy texture that's crucial for these Chocolate Oat Bars. The oats provide a hearty base, while the almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness and ensures the bars hold together well. You'll want the final mixture to look slightly crumbly but cohesive. When baked, the edges should turn golden brown, signaling the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.
The chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate that add to the overall richness. When you bite into a bar, you'll experience an explosion of flavors—the sweetness from the brown sugar and honey with the grounding taste of oats and the richness of chocolate. This bar is designed for chocolate lovers who appreciate a little texture in their treats.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
While this recipe calls for rolled oats and almond flour, feel free to customize based on dietary preferences or pantry availability. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Rolled oats can also be replaced with quick oats if you prefer a smoother texture, though keep an eye on the baking time as quick oats may cook faster.
For sweetness, if you're looking to cut back on sugar, using ripe mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce can be a fantastic alternative to honey or maple syrup. However, remember that this might change the texture slightly, making the bars a bit softer. Experimenting with flavored chocolate chips, like dark or butterscotch, can also add exciting new flavors to your bars.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious bars:
Chocolate Oat Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
With these ingredients in hand, you're ready to create a delicious treat!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Oat Bars:
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Add wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips
Gently fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the mixture.
Bake the bars
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Cool and cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting them into squares.
Enjoy these bars as a sweet treat during the game!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture. They can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Oat Bars store extremely well, making them a great treat to prepare in advance. Once you've cut them into squares, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they'll stay fresh for up to three months.
For serving, I love to cut the bars into neat squares or rectangles and place them on a platter for group snacking. You can also serve them warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Drizzling some melted chocolate on top can elevate the presentation and add extra richness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
One of the most common issues with making bars is ending up with too soft a mixture. If your mixture seems overly wet after adding the wet ingredients, adding an extra tablespoon of almond flour or oats can help bind everything together. On the other hand, if it's too dry and crumbly, a splash more coconut oil or a bit of milk can bring the consistency back to life, ensuring that your bars hold together nicely when cut.
If you find that your bars are not cooking evenly, consider rotating your baking dish halfway through baking. Oven hot spots can lead to uneven cooking, and a simple turn can help achieve that golden edge without burning. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking; when they’re golden and set, it’s time to pull them out!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats will work, but the texture may be slightly different, becoming a bit softer.
→ Can I substitute the almond flour?
You can use all-purpose flour or another gluten-free flour, but results may vary.
→ How should I store the leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.
Super Bowl Desserts Chocolate Oat Bars
When it comes to game day, I want snacks that are both delicious and easy to share with friends. These Chocolate Oat Bars are a personal favorite of mine because they perfectly balance rich chocolate with wholesome oats. I love how the chewy texture and just the right amount of sweetness make them completely irresistible. Plus, they can be made in under 30 minutes, allowing me to whip them up even on the busiest of days. Trust me, these bars will be the star of your Super Bowl spread!
Created by: Bryony Wells
Recipe Type: Creative Baking Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Chocolate Oat Bars Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
Gently fold in chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting them into squares.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture. They can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g