Indulge guilt-free with these Low Sodium Chocolate Oat Bars, a wholesome treat perfect for snacking without compromising on flavor. Packed with hearty rolled oats, creamy almond butter, and naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, these bars strike the perfect balance between nourishment and decadence. The unsweetened applesauce adds a moist texture while cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips deliver rich and satisfying chocolatey goodness. Optional chia seeds lend an extra boost of nutrients, making these bars a great option for post-workout energy or a mid-day pick-me-up. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, they bake into chewy, perfectly portioned squares that store beautifully for on-the-go cravings. With ingredients carefully curated to keep sodium levels low, this recipe is a must-try for health-conscious chocolate lovers seeking a homemade alternative to processed snacks.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean up.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, almond butter, and honey (or maple syrup). Mix until you get a uniform texture.
Stir in the vanilla extract and cocoa powder until well incorporated. Make sure there are no cocoa powder clumps remaining.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and chia seeds (if using), ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or your fingers to form a compact layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges begin to firm up and the center is set.
Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then remove them using the parchment paper and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, cut the bars into 12 equal pieces. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Calories |
2557 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 125.2 g | 161% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.6 g | 148% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 23 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 344.9 g | 125% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 55.7 g | 199% | |
| Total Sugars | 174.8 g | ||
| Protein | 65.3 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 679 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 25.9 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 2638 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.