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This vegan chocolate chip cookie bar recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat with minimal effort. Perfect for those moments when you crave cookies but don't want to spend time shaping individual ones, these bars deliver all the flavor with half the work.
I first made these bars during a rainy weekend when my usual cookie motivation was low but my sweet tooth was demanding attention. The smell of chocolate and vanilla filling my kitchen instantly lifted the mood, and now these bars are my go-to when I need a quick baking win.
Ingredients
- Gluten-free rolled oats: Serve as the hearty base providing fiber and a satisfying texture
- Ripe banana: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind everything together
- Unsweetened applesauce: Contributes moisture without added fats or sugars
- Flax eggs: Work perfectly as a vegan binding agent when traditional eggs are off limits
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate
- Vanilla extract: Provides warmth and depth look for pure extract for best results
- Date syrup: Offers caramel notes and natural sweetness without refined sugar
- Vegan chocolate chips: Bring the essential melty chocolate pockets choose a quality brand for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F ensuring it reaches the full temperature before baking for even results. This temperature creates the perfect balance between crisp edges and soft centers.
- Blend the Base Mixture:
- Add the banana, applesauce, flax eggs, sea salt, vanilla extract, date syrup, and 2 cups of the oats to your blender. Blend until smooth and well combined, about 30-45 seconds. The mixture should be thick but pourable, similar to a heavy cake batter.
- Add Texture Elements:
- Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and remaining 1/3 cup of oats using a spatula. This step adds delightful texture contrast to your finished bars.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Pour the batter into a lined baking dish approximately 8x8 inches. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly into the corners. For easier removal, consider lining with parchment paper with overhang on the sides.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges appear golden and slightly pulled away from the sides. The center should feel set when lightly touched. Remember that the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
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The flax eggs are my favorite component in this recipe. I discovered their amazing binding properties years ago when experimenting with vegan baking, and they add a subtle nutty flavor that works wonderfully with the chocolate. My niece who typically avoids anything "healthy" devoured three of these bars in one sitting before I told her they were made with wholesome ingredients.
Perfect Texture Tips
The key to these bars having the right consistency lies in the oats. By blending most of them, you create a flour-like base while reserving some whole oats adds pleasant chewiness. If you prefer a more uniform texture, you can blend all the oats, but I find the contrast makes these bars extra special. For a more cookie-like texture rather than cake-like, reduce the applesauce to 1/3 cup.
Customizing Your Bars
These adaptable bars welcome your creative touches. Try adding 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and healthy fats. Dried cherries or cranberries pair beautifully with the chocolate chips. For a more indulgent version, drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the cooled bars. If spices interest you, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom to the batter for warm, aromatic notes.
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Serving Suggestions
These versatile bars work in multiple settings. For breakfast, pair with fresh fruit and a dollop of plant-based yogurt. As a dessert, warm slightly and top with vegan ice cream for an elevated treat. They make excellent lunchbox additions and after-school snacks that provide sustained energy without a sugar crash. During warmer months, sandwich vegan ice cream between two bars for a special frozen treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute regular oats for gluten-free ones?
Yes, regular oats can be used if you're not avoiding gluten. Just ensure they are rolled oats for the right texture.
- → What can I use instead of a banana?
If you're not a fan of bananas, try 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree as substitutes.
- → Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Walnuts, dried fruits, or shredded coconut can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- → How can I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving if desired.
- → Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, use soy or oat milk instead of almond milk, and ensure your chocolate chips are nut-free.