Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups quick-cooking oats
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder

→ Wet Ingredients

03 - 1 egg
04 - ¾ cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew butter)
05 - ¾ cup pure maple syrup or honey
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins

07 - ¾ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
08 - Flaky salt (for topping, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, stir together the oats and baking powder.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. Then stir in the nut butter, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips.
05 - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press the remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips into the top of the mixture.
06 - Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky salt (if using).
07 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares. Serve or refrigerate for later.

# Notes:

01 - For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter.
02 - Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
03 - These bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.