These Chocolate Chip Walnut Oatmeal Bars are a wholesome and fabulous breakfast or snack recipe that is still so good for you. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and dense as cake, it’s a delicious and nutritious way to feel like you’re eating good-for-you dessert all day long.
There’s nothing better than cake for breakfast – except cake that’s not really cake and is actually super good for you. And no, I’m not talking about my Apple Bread, although that’s a really delicious option too.
These Chocolate Chip Walnut Oatmeal Bars are so dense and fantastic that you are going to want to eat them 24/7. The best part is that they are naturally gluten-free and refined-sugar free! Plus, you can make it vegan or dairy-free too.
I think I speak for most people when I say that oatmeal should be creamy and satisfying. Not just that healthy meal you whip up when you’re feeling under the weather or in need of something filling for the day.
These oatmeal bars are just that. Baked to perfection, the texture and flavor are so outstanding, it literally feels like you’re eating a decadent cake. I love that they are so easy to cut and serve into whatever portions you need.
It’s perfect for a quick snack throughout the day or to enjoy for breakfast. Kids and adults alike are going to love it and you can eat it in so many ways. Whether you eat it alone or pair with yogurt and fresh fruit (or top it with whipped cream, I don’t judge!), it is the ultimate healthy treat.
Now, if you’re not a fan of bananas, you can use applesauce instead. However, the banana is really just a natural sweetener in this dish. So, you can also use maple syrup or agave if you feel like the chocolate chips are not enough for you.
I like to use Hu’s Snacking Gems in this recipe. They are vegan chocolate chips made with just a few ingredients: organic fair-trade cacao, unrefined organic coconut sugar, and organic fair-trade cocoa butter. So, not only is it super clean eating, but it’s also ethically made and sourced chocolate!
Hu’s chocolate chips come in three flavors: simple (classic dark chocolate), salty, and mint. I’d recommend classic for this recipe, but if you like the salty and sweet combo, the salty variety might appeal to you as well.
If you’re making this just for yourself, you can also sneak in some protein powder or collagen power to supercharge these oatmeal bars with some added benefits.
No matter how you make these Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars your own, you’ll be stocked up on a really healthy sweet treat. You can even make a big batch of these to snack on throughout the week. Remember, the easier you make it to grab and go with healthy choices, the better you and your family will eat!
Why Oatmeal is the Best Breakfast
What’s great about these Chocolate Chip Walnut Oatmeal Bars is you can make them your own in just about any way. Mix and match different ingredients and toppings and you’ll end up with so many different ways to bring variety to your mornings.
In fact, it’s part of why oatmeal is my favorite breakfast food! This baked oatmeal version is just like cake. Regular oatmeal is so customizable; you can make it thick creamy and thin and milky, whichever you like.
You can make oatmeal dairy-free simply by switching up the milk you use. I almost always use a nut-based milk like almond or oat milk anyway, but you could even use coconut milk or pistachio milk to fold in a unique flavor.
Overnight oats are also a delicious breakfast option and you could easily pull in the same flavors in this dish (chocolate chips, walnuts, and bananas).
Obviously, if you want more options for breakfast recipes, instant or rolled oatmeal is a must to stock up on.
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