No-Bake Chocolate Steel-Cut Oat Bars

These no-bake chocolate steel-cut oat bars check all the boxes for a dietitian-approved snack – full of nutrients, delicious (so your kids will actually eat it), and very versatile for those picky eaters! They’re packed with fiber, healthy fats, and protein to keep kids full and energized throughout the day, whether it’s at school, sports practice, or simply during an afternoon of play.

Plus, there’s no need to turn on the oven, making them a great recipe to whip up with your kids in the kitchen. They can get involved by pressing the mixture into the pan or sprinkling the chocolate chips on top—turning snack time into a fun, hands-on activity.

If you’re thinking – “why would I make homemade granola bars when I can buy them at the store?”. Let me convince you –

1. You can accomplish a sweet chocolatey flavor AND no added sugar. Most granola bars at the store have 10-20 grams of added sugar in them. These bars are naturally sweetened, yet still pack a chocolatey sweet flavor.

2. You can focus on the flavors your kids LOVE by switching out the ingredients or adding anything they want. You can tailor the recipe to your family’s needs which is a huge plus for picky eaters.

3. This recipe takes 10-15 minutes and can easily be doubled to make 2 weeks worth of healthy snacks for your kids.

Why Steel-Cut Oat Bars Are a Great Snack for Kids:

Fiber for Digestion and Fullness

Steel-cut oats are a great source of fiber, which supports healthy digestion and helps keep kids full for longer periods. Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent those mid-afternoon energy crashes.

Plus, the fiber content in oats and dates makes this snack gut-healthy and promotes proper digestion.

Balanced Protein and Healthy Fats

In addition to fiber, these bars offer a balanced blend of protein and healthy fats from almonds, chia seeds, and protein powder. This combination works to stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and drops in energy.

The healthy fats provide a slow, steady source of energy, while protein supports muscle growth and repair. Perfect for active kids!

How to Make Steel Cut Oat Bars:

Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor or high-power blender (like a Vitamix), blend the soaked almonds, dates, and steel-cut oats. This blending process is crucial for the bars to have a smooth consistency, which kids usually prefer over large chunks of oats and nuts. It also helps to break down the steel-cut oats into a fine powder, which aids in their digestion.

If you don’t have a food processor or high-power blender, I suggest adding more water than the recipe calls for and blending for increments of 30 seconds. Between each blend, mix the ingredients with a spoon to make sure it is all incorporated.

Combine all Ingredients & Press into Pan

After blending, the rest of this recipe comes together quickly! Add the rest of the mixture to the date-almond-oat mixture and combine.

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. The dough will be fairly sticky, so take your time. I like to lay another piece of parchment on top of the bars and flatten with my hand or a measuring cup.

Chill & Serve

Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once set, cut into bars. These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Perfect for packing into lunchboxes or enjoying as an after-school snack!

Ingredient FAQ:

What protein powder should I use?

I have used all types of protein powder for this recipe. Whey, plant-based, flavored, unflavored – they all work great! Some of my favorite brands include Orgain, Isopure (for unflavored), or KOS (for allergy-friendly protein).

Can I use something besides dates to sweeten it?

If you don’t have dates, you could use 1/2 cup of maple syrup. However, I strongly encourage using dates because it makes the bars have a better structure and are less overwhelmingly sweet.

What other ingredients can I add?

Some of my favorite variations of the recipe include adding pumpkin pie spice, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, coconut, peanut butter, crushed pretzels, oreos, or even making a light icing glaze. Anything for those picky eaters to give them a try!

Pro Tips:

• Get the Kids Involved: Let the kids have fun pressing the mixture into the pan or sprinkling the chocolate chips. This hands-on activity makes them feel part of the process and more likely to enjoy the snack. It’s also a great way to introduce them to healthy eating habits in a fun and engaging way.

• Make It in Batches: Double the recipe and freeze half for later to save time. These bars freeze really well and can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Having a batch on hand makes it easy to grab a healthy snack anytime.

• Sneak in Some Veggies: For an extra nutrient boost, finely grate a little zucchini or carrot into the mixture. The veggies are virtually undetectable in flavor and texture but add extra fiber and vitamins. It’s a clever way to boost the nutritional content without changing the taste.

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These no-bake chocolate steel-cut oat bars are the perfect mix of healthy and delicious. They’re a snack you can feel good about giving to your kids, and are super easy to make. Whether you’re dealing with a picky eater or just need a quick snack to keep the family fueled, these bars are going to be a hit!

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