These healthy oatmeal bars are loaded with peanut butter, oats, and other good for you ingredients. Perfect for a quick and healthy snack!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars on a white plate.

How is it already the middle of August? When did this even happen? Kids are already heading back to school and I’m still wondering how it’s almost September. But that means fall is just around the corner and let me tell you, it’s one of my favorite baking seasons!

But, it’s still summer and I’m living up the last few weeks of it with these bars. I’ve made two more batches of these this past week because they are that good. I wanted these bars to be on the healthier side, so I used oats and white whole wheat flour. When it comes to baking a little healthier, I love to use white whole wheat flour and it works so perfectly in these bars.

Annddd.. there’s zero butter in these bars too, just peanut butter and a little coconut oil. I also threw in some chocolate chips because chocolate + peanut butter is always a winning combination.

These oatmeal breakfast bars are super soft, thick, and chewy and almost like eating a peanut butter cookie. A peanut butter cookie in bar form that’s a little healthier is always welcome in my home. Plus, you only need one bowl to make these. The less dirty dishes the better!

A stack of two oatmeal bars on a square of parchment paper. Additional bars rest on a plate in the background.

Ingredients in This Recipe 

The ingredients list for these healthy oatmeal bars is short and sweet: 

  • Peanut butter: I typically use a peanut butter brand like Jiffy or Skippy rather than natural peanut butter. 
  • Coconut sugar: Brown sugar can be used instead of coconut sugar, if desired. 
  • Honey: Sweetens the bars. 
  • Egg: It’s best to use an egg that’s room temperature in these bars, so the coconut oil does not solidify. If you need to do this quickly, just place your egg in a cup of warm water for about 5 minutes before adding it to the recipe.
  • Coconut oil: I prefer to use melted coconut oil in these bars, but you can use vegetable or canola oil.
  • Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. 
  • Oats: You’ll need old-fashioned (rolled) oats for this oatmeal snack.  
  • Flour: I’ve only made this recipe with white whole wheat flour, but I imagine all-purpose flour would also work. 
  • Salt: Enhances the peanut butter-chocolate flavor. 
  • Baking soda: Prevents the bars from being too dense. 
  • Chocolate chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, whichever you prefer! 

How to Make Oatmeal Bars 

To make these easy oatmeal bars, simply mix together the wet ingredients before adding in the dry. Fold in the chocolate chips last. 

Turn the batter into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, then bake until the top is set and golden brown. 

Four oatmeal breakfast bars next to a spoonful of peanut butter and a handful of chocolate chips.

How to Store These Bars 

Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. 

Baking Tips

  • For a slightly less sweet bar, the coconut sugar (or brown sugar) may be reduced from 1/4 cup to 2 tablespoons.
  • The coconut oil may be replaced with 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil.
  • You’re welcome to omit the chocolate chips entirely or substitute them with another baking chip, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. 

More Oatmeal Snacks to Try! 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars on a white plate.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars

4.76 from 29 ratings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
These bars are loaded with peanut butter, oats, and other good for you ingredients. Perfect for a quick and healthy snack!
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Ingredients

Servings: 12 bars
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 large egg , room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (100 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (95 grams) white whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup (95 grams) chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, coconut sugar, honey, egg, coconut oil, and vanilla until fully combined.
  • Add in the oats, flour, salt, baking soda and mix until combined. Add the chocolate chips and fold them into the batter.
  • Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees or until the top is set and lightly golden brown.
  • Allow to cool in the pan, then cut into bars.

Notes

Coconut sugar: For a slightly less sweet bar, coconut sugar (or brown sugar) may be reduced from 1/4 cup to 2 tablespoons.
Egg: It's best to use an egg that's room temperature in these bars, so the coconut oil does not solidify. If you need to do this quickly, just place your egg in a cup of warm water for about 5 minutes before adding it to the recipe.
Oil: Coconut oil may be replaced with 2 tablespoons of canola or vegetable oil.
Storage instructions: Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cuisine: American
Course: Snack
Author: Danielle
Did you make this recipe?Mention @livewellbakeoften on Instagram or tag #livewellbakeoften.