Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars {GF + DF}

These no-bake, gluten-free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars are a versatile recipe that serve as either a breakfast bar or a dessert treat! They are made with almond butter, vanilla, gluten-free oatmeal, and dairy-free chocolate chips! {GF, DF, Vegan-Friendly, and No-Bake}

Our family is going bonkers over these no-bake, gluten-free, and dairy-free Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars! We couldn’t decide exactly how sweet we wanted them to be, until we realized we didn’t have to decide at all. These bars are flexible enough to be as sweet or neutral as you want. And I included notes below so you can decide for yourself just what flavor and style you’re going for!

If you want a dessert-friendly recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth, then add more sweetener. If you want a breakfast-friendly treat that isn’t as sweet, then reduce the amount of sweetener (and stick with maple syrup, if you can – it’s sweet, but not overly sweet).

This recipe is quite similar to our No-Bake Paleo Chocolate Chip Coconut Bars. They are popular on the blog and amongst our friends and family. Those bars are also a regular treat in our house. But not everyone loves shredded coconut, so we conceptualized a gratifying alternative. And these oatmeal bars came to fruition.

In addition to deciding how sweet you want your bars to be, another decision is whether you want thinner or thicker bars. For today’s oatmeal bar recipe, I prepared them in a 9×9 pan and in the coconut bar recipe, I prepared them in an 8×8 pan. So although the amount in both recipes is the same, you’ll notice today’s bars look thinner. Below is a side-by-side comparison. Go with either the pan you have on hand or the one with the volume you like. Any which way you pour, the recipe will taste wonderful. 😊

So grab your dish of choice and let’s get no-baking!

CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL BARS:

The ingredient list is fairly important for this recipe if you want your Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly. I have details in the ingredient list below where relevant. 

• Coconut oil. This critical ingredient sets the bar mixture as it chills and holds everything together.
• Almond butter (or other nut butter of choice). I like Costco’s Kirkland brand almond butter. Roasted almonds provide the best flavor (in my opinion). Look for an unsweetened nut butter with as few ingredients as possible.
• Sweetener. Maple syrup, agave nectar, and coconut sugar are all options (see notes below for mixing and matching). They are also vegan-friendly.
• Vanilla. I use just a teaspoon, and it provides the right amount of flavor and sweetness.
• Sea salt. A pinch adds just the right flavor balance.
• Gluten-free oatmeal. I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats.
• Chocolate chips. I use either Chatfield’s or Enjoy Life. In this recipe, I used Enjoy Life. They are allergen-friendly and dairy-free. You can use either regular-sized chips or mini chips. I also like to sprinkle a few extra chips on top after I pour the batter into the pan.

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CHIP OATMEAL BARS:

This is a throw-everything-in-the-bowl-stir-then-pour kind of recipe. It’s quick and easy to prepare!

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, almond butter, sweetener, vanilla, and sea salt. I find it helps to whisk everything together or stir with a sturdy fork.
2. Then stir in the two cups of gluten-free oatmeal, followed by the one cup of chocolate chips. Give the ingredients one last whisk and then pour the batter into the pan.
3. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips, if desired, and chill in the refrigerator.
4. Chilling times will vary, but I usually anticipate about an hour, give or take. Keep covered in the refrigerator.

WAYS TO MIX AND MATCH SWEETENERS:

Our family likes this recipe at all levels of sweetness! Below are different combinations we’ve enjoyed.

• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup: Mild sweetness and great for breakfast
• 1/4 cup maple syrup: Sweeter but still breakfast-friendly
• 2-4 tablespoons (1/8-1/4 cup) agave nectar: Super-sweet and definitely more dessert-style
• Coconut sugar with 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Definitely a breakfast flavor but a little sweeter than without (coconut sugar tastes a little like brown sugar, so this version harkens to a traditional oatmeal flavor)
• Coconut sugar with agave nectar: Sweet and dessert-y

If you are in the mood for additional no-bake dessert recipes, then put your eyes on these NO-BAKE delights!

• Paleo Chocolate Chip Coconut Bars
• Chocolate Almond Butter Truffles
• Almond Butter Bites

Enjoy, friends! I’m glad you’re here. ❤️

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