1/2 cup (120 g) creamy almond butter or peanut butter
1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup or honey
1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened applesauce or mashed ripe banana
1 large egg or 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and rested 5 minutes)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate chunks or chips (70% cacao or higher)
Optional add-ins: 1 tablespoon chia seeds or chopped nuts for extra texture
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a small bowl, whisk the dry ingredients: oats, oat flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
In a larger bowl, blend the wet ingredients: almond butter, maple syrup, applesauce (or banana), egg (or flax egg), and vanilla. Stir until everything looks glossy and creamy.
Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chunks and any optional add-ins.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and press it evenly to the edges. You want a compact, even layer that will bake into neat bars.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still a touch soft. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 1–2 hours) before lifting them out and slicing. The centers firm up as they cool, so patience pays off for tidy bars.
Notes
Wholesome, chewy bars made with oats, oat flour, almond butter, and dark chocolate. A flexible, gluten-free/dairy-free friendly treat that bakes up into soft centers with a gently crisp edge—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
