Sugar-Free Chocolate Oat Bars

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Sugar-Free Chocolate Oat Bars

Full Recipe:
These sugar-free chocolate oat bars are the perfect holiday treat, loved by everyone who tries them! With a rich chocolate layer on top and a chewy, oat-based bottom, these bars are satisfying and guilt-free. They freeze well, making them ideal for meal prepping or saving for later.

  1. Ingredients:

    • 1 ½ cups rolled oats

    • ½ cup peanut butter or almond butter

    • ¼ cup sugar-free chocolate chips (or cocoa nibs for a healthier option)

    • ¼ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)

    • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)

    • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter

    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 1 pinch of salt

  2. Instructions:

    • For the base:

      • In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, peanut butter (or almond butter), coconut flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt.

      • Melt the coconut oil or butter in the microwave and stir it into the oat mixture along with the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract.

      • Press the mixture into a lined 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a firm, even layer.

    • For the topping:

      • In a separate bowl, melt the sugar-free chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each.

      • Once melted, pour the chocolate over the oat base and spread it out evenly.

      • Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is set.

  3. Serving:

    • Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. These bars freeze well and should be thawed for about 10 minutes before serving if stored in the freezer.

Description:
These sugar-free chocolate oat bars combine wholesome ingredients like oats, peanut butter, and sugar-free chocolate to create a delicious and nutritious treat. They’re perfect for those looking for a healthier dessert or snack, especially during the holidays.

Notes:

  • You can substitute the peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.

  • If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of honey or maple syrup to 3 tablespoons.

  • If you’re not a fan of coconut flakes, feel free to skip them.

  • Make sure to store these bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Tips:

  • These bars freeze well, making them perfect for meal prepping. Just make sure to let them thaw for about 10 minutes before serving.

  • You can mix in other add-ins like chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutritional benefits.

  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some crushed nuts over the chocolate layer before it sets.

Servings:
This recipe makes about 12 bars, depending on the size you cut them.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 150-200 (depending on the type of nut butter and sweetener used)

  • Carbs: 14g

  • Protein: 5g

  • Fat: 10g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 2g (if using sugar-free ingredients)

Benefits:

  • Low Sugar: Made without refined sugar, making it suitable for those following a low-sugar or diabetic-friendly diet.

  • Good Source of Fiber: The oats and coconut flakes provide fiber to support digestive health.

  • Healthy Fats: Peanut or almond butter gives the bars a dose of healthy fats for sustained energy.

  • Easy to Prepare and Store: The bars freeze well, so you can make a batch and enjoy them for weeks.

Q/A:

Q: Can I use regular chocolate instead of sugar-free chocolate chips?
A: Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips, but this will add sugar to the recipe. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, stick to sugar-free chocolate chips.

Q: Can I use another nut butter?
A: Yes, you can swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to cater to allergies.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: These bars last up to 1 week at room temperature, but they can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 2 months.

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