• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Crumb Top Baking

Healthier Desserts and Savory Recipes

  • Home
  • About & Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
You are here: Home / Desserts / Chocolate Oat Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

Chocolate Oat Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

December 2, 2019 Updated: November 30, 2020 By Leanne 62 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
Pinterest image for Chocolate Oat Bars - short pin 1.
Pinterest image for Chocolate Oat Bars - short pin 2.

Chocolate Oat Bars are made with oats, coconut and warming chai spices, and with a rich and fudgy chocolate filling, they’re simply irresistible. They’re also gluten-free and vegan, and perfect for all the Christmas cookie lovers in your life!

Chocolate oat bars arranged on a sheet of parchment paper and drizzled with melted chocolate.

*This post was originally published in December 2017 and has been updated to include adjustments to the recipe to make it vegan, as well as new text and photos.

Happy December! Are you in the mood for some holiday baking?

While I’ve been in full Christmas mode for about a month now, the baking season really kicks off for me in December. I love having a stash of cookies on hand for gifting and impromptu gatherings. And these chocolate crumble bars are always on my baking list. They’re a favourite around here!

I’m also a huge fan of chai spiced desserts, so if you are too, be sure to check out this Vegan Chai Cake with Orange Cardamom Frosting. It’s a delicious snack cake and one of the easiest desserts you’ll make this season.

Why you’ll love these vegan chocolate oat bars

  • There’s no special equipment required. Just a few bowls and some utensils.
  • They’re hearty and wholesome. With all the oats in this recipe, you can almost get away with eating them for breakfast.
  • They freeze well, so you can make them now, store in the freezer and pop them out for the holidays.
  • They’re fairly sturdy and don’t require refrigeration, so they’re great for holiday cookie exchanges.

Chocolate oat squares drizzled with chocolate and arranged on a sheet of parchment paper.

Ingredients for these healthy chocolate oatmeal bars

  • Steel cut oats
  • Rolled oats
  • Coconut
  • Coconut sugar
  • Chai spice (see recipe notes)
  • Salt
  • Almond butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Vegan chocolate chips
  • Coconut oil

Collage of 4 images demonstrating how the oat mixture for the oatmeal bars comes together.

How to make chocolate oat bars

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine your oats, coconut, sugar, chai spice and salt and stir until combined. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the almond butter and maple syrup. Your almond butter should be softened to room temperature. If it’s too hard to mix with the maple syrup, just warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. You may need to get your hands in there to ensure the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Add just over half of the oat mixture to a 9-inch pan lined with parchment paper, and press down to form a firm bottom layer for the bars.

Collage of 4 images demonstrating how the oat bars are assembled.

  • In a small microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and almond butter and microwave in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir the chocolate in between intervals. This will take about 2-3 intervals.
  • Pour the chocolate over the oat layer and spread until evenly distributed. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate and press down lightly. Don’t worry if the oat mixture doesn’t completely cover the top.
  • Bake on 350F for 20-22 minutes, or until the top starts to brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. You can also drizzle some extra chocolate over the bars if you’re feeling fancy!

Oat bars just out of the oven and cooling on the counter.

Frequently asked questions:

  • How do you store these oat bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 2-3 days. If your environment is warm, you can store them in the refrigerator, and just leave them at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
  • Can you freeze these bars? Yes, once cooled and cut into bars, just place them in an airtight container, either in a single layer or in between sheets of wax paper. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, just leave them at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
  • Can you use honey in place of maple syrup? Absolutely. Honey works in these bars in place of maple syrup. Just keep in mind that the bars will no longer be vegan.
  • Can you use other nut butters in place of almond butter? Yes. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use another type of nut or seed butter. Just make sure they are natural. And note that other butters will change the taste of the bars slightly.
  • What’s a good substitute for coconut sugar in these bars? If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can use brown sugar as a replacement.

Up-close view of chocolate oatmeal bars in a pan and cut into squares.

Additional recipe tips and substitutions

  • I like to use some steel cut oats in this recipe for their nutty texture, but if you don’t have any, just use all rolled oats.
  • If you’d like to make these bars nut-free, try substituting the almond butter for sunflower seed butter.
  • Whatever nut or seed butter you use, make sure it’s natural and brought to room temperature. This will allow it to easily mix together with the maple syrup. If it’s still not soft enough after sitting at room temperature, just warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
  • To keep this recipe gluten-free, make sure your oats and spices are certified gluten-free.
  • To keep this recipe vegan, make sure you’re using vegan chocolate.
  • I made these bars in a 9-inch square pan, but if you want a thicker bar, you can use an 8-inch square pan.

Chocolate crumble bars resting on parchment paper with a bowl of chocolate in the background.

Other Christmas cookies you might enjoy

  • Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are soft and chewy with dark chocolate chunks, peppermint and crushed candy canes. They’re also grain-free and dairy-free.
  • Cookie Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft-batch cookies with chewy edges and hints of cinnamon and ginger. They’re made with biscoff cookie spread, toasted coconut and dark chocolate chips.
  • Cranberry Pistachio Cookies are ultra chocolatey and packed with dried cranberries and pistachios.
  • Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies are gluten-free and dairy-free with a chewy texture and a tart cranberry orange filling.

If you make these chocolate oat bars, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Follow Crumb Top Baking on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chocolate Oat Bars topped with chocolate and arranged on parchment paper.

Chocolate Oat Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

★★★★★ 5 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Leanne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Chocolate Oat Bars are made with oats, coconut and warming chai spices, and with a rich and fudgy chocolate filling, they’re simply irresistible. They’re also gluten-free and vegan, and perfect for all the Christmas cookie lovers in your life!


Ingredients

  • 1 cup gluten-free steel cut oats
  • 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1 cup coconut, shredded and unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chai spice (see notes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup almond butter, natural and unsalted, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons almond butter, natural and unsalted
  • Optional chocolate topping:
    • 1/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
    • 1/2 tablespoon virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350F and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, coconut, sugar, chai spice and salt and stir until combined. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the almond butter and maple syrup until smooth. (If your almond butter is hard, you can warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds).
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. You may need to use your hands to ensure the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Add just over half of the oat mixture to the prepared pan, and press firmly into the pan to form the bottom layer of the bars.
  6. In a small microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and almond butter and microwave in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir the chocolate in between each interval. This may take 2-3 intervals.
  7. Spread the chocolate out over the oat layer. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the chocolate and press down lightly. Don’t worry if the topping doesn’t completely cover the chocolate.
  8. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the top starts to brown.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool in pan.
  10. For the optional chocolate topping, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small microwave safe bowl and heat for two 30 second intervals, stirring in between intervals. Stir until chocolate is smooth. Drizzle over bars.
  11. Once fully cooled and chocolate is set, cut into bars and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, in the refrigerator for 6-7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

  1. To make chai spice, I follow this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds.
  2. I like to use some steel cut oats in this recipe for their nutty texture, but if you don’t have any, just use all rolled oats.
  3. If you don’t have almond butter, you can substitute another type of nut or seed butter, just make sure it’s natural and brought to room temperature.
  4. If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can substitute brown sugar.
  5. If you don’t need these bars to be vegan, you can substitute honey for the maple syrup.
  6. I made these bars in a 9-inch square pan, but if you want a thicker bar, you can use an 8-inch square pan.
  7. Be sure to check out the detailed sections above the recipe card for additional advice and suggestions for making this recipe.

Keywords: chai spice bars, chocolate oatmeal bars, chocolate crumble bars

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crumbtopbaking on Instagram and hashtag it #crumbtopbaking

  • Share
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Filed Under: All Recipes, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Fall Recipes, Gluten-Free, Holiday Recipes, Vegan

Previous Post: « Cookie Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Next Post: Crispy Peanut Butter Balls (Vegan, Gluten-Free) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    December 3, 2019 at 10:37 pm

    I love warm chai spices Leanne. These look totally decadent. Pinning and looking forward to trying.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:48 pm

      Thanks Mary Ann!

      Reply
  2. Danielle says

    December 3, 2019 at 6:40 pm

    I LOVE these bars – they are too good not to try them. And they will certainly be a great treat in the morning!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      Thanks Danielle! Yes, great with a cup of coffee!

      Reply
  3. marcie says

    December 3, 2019 at 12:14 pm

    These bars are right up my alley with the chocolate and chai spice! I’d love these for breakfast, snacks or dessert — they’re so versatile!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      Totally versatile! Thanks Marcie!

      Reply
  4. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl says

    December 2, 2019 at 4:49 pm

    Absolutely love this, Leanne!!! The idea of chocolate with chai makes my heart sing! Love that these are a healthier option! YUM!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:58 pm

      Chocolate and chai together is wonderful! Thanks Haylie!

      Reply
  5. [email protected] says

    December 2, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    Breakfast, dessert – during the holidays, it’s all the same to me! These bars are divine!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 8:59 pm

      Thanks Annie!

      Reply
  6. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    December 2, 2019 at 1:27 pm

    The flavors are spot on in this recipe and love every ingredient that is used, Thanks for all your tips on making it vegan. Using chai spice in this crumble bar recipe is a great idea. Love the use of dark chocolate and that will be my son’s favorite.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks Sandhya! The dark chocolate is my husband’s favourite too!

      Reply
  7. Erin Vasicek says

    December 2, 2019 at 10:32 am

    Oh how yummy do these look? I bet the flavor of chair pairs so well with the chocolate.

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks Erin!

      Reply
  8. Terry says

    December 2, 2019 at 10:10 am

    These look amazing and would be great to bring to any holiday get together! I love the fact you updated the recipe to make it vegan. Chocolate and chai combination is always great.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 8, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      Thanks Terry! Happy to hear you like the updated recipe!

      Reply
  9. Erin Parker says

    December 12, 2018 at 11:15 pm

    Oh my WORD, these bars look utterly scrumptious! I love the chai spices in them and know they would not last long in our house!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 17, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      Thanks Erin! They never last long in our house! They’ve turned into a Christmas favourite!

      Reply
  10. cakespy says

    February 6, 2018 at 7:37 am

    OMG these look incredible. The texture! The flavor! And they’re low in sugar!? I am very impressed by these bars. <3

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      February 7, 2018 at 12:39 pm

      Thank you! They have a great flavour, but aren’t overly sweet. Hope you get a chance to try them!

      Reply
  11. heather (delicious not gorgeous) says

    January 3, 2018 at 7:13 pm

    ooh i love the flavor of chai! plus all that almond butter sounds so tasty (:

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      January 3, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      Thanks Heather! The chai really works in these bars and I love baking with almond butter!

      Reply
  12. Amy says

    January 2, 2018 at 10:10 am

    This looks like a really healthy dessert or snack. Definitely pinned for later!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      January 3, 2018 at 6:50 am

      Thanks Amy! I hope you get a chance to make them. Be sure to let me know if you do! Have a great week!

      Reply
  13. Adrienne says

    January 1, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    These look really tasty. And I agree, chocolate for breakfast is great!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      January 1, 2018 at 10:46 pm

      Thank you Adrienne!

      Reply
  14. RunnerGirl says

    January 1, 2018 at 10:58 am

    These look great! Do you think maple syrup could be subbed for the honey?

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      January 1, 2018 at 10:45 pm

      Thanks! I’ve never tried making these bars with maple syrup. It may work just fine, but maple syrup is not as thick as honey, so I’m not sure it would work as well in binding the oats and coconut together. And it would have a slightly different taste. If you give it a try, please let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  15. Alia @ Everyday Easy Eats says

    December 22, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    I love both chocolate and chai more than words can describe, so these Chocolate Chai Spice Crumble Bars are right up my alley!! This is such a great dessert for the holidays – I feel like all I have been doing for the last couple weeks is munching on holiday sweets. Great photos too!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 24, 2017 at 10:11 am

      Thanks Alia! I totally agree! The month of December has been filled with eating out, snacks and sweet treats! But it’s all so good! Happy Holidays!!

      Reply
  16. Ashika | Gardening Foodie says

    December 22, 2017 at 11:58 am

    Definitely a perfect Christmas breakfast treat 🙂 and just maaaaybe I will save some for dessert for guests. I love to try the chai spice, it must make these bars taste absolutely amazing. Definitely pinning to make for the holidays. Thank you for all the delicious recipes Leanne and a Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your family 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 24, 2017 at 10:10 am

      Thanks Ashika! I love the chai spice in these bars! It pairs really well with the dark chocolate. I hope you get a chance to make them. Happy holidays to you and your family!

      Reply
  17. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    December 22, 2017 at 8:48 am

    Chocolate is definitely required for Christmas breakfast 😉 These look so chocolatey and moist and jam packed with all kinds of yummy flavours! Love that you made a couple of batches and good to know they freeze well. I, more times than not, freeze my baked goods. Otherwise, it would be too tempting to finish it all off quickly, lol. Cheers to a fabulous Christmas and wonderful 2018, Leanne!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 24, 2017 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Dawn! Yep, I’m all about freezer cookies! They make a great dessert in a pinch and it definitely removes temptation! Happy Holidays to you too!

      Reply
  18. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    December 22, 2017 at 12:32 am

    I love how low sugar these are!! I’m sure they taste amazing. Chocolate and chai is a great combo! Isn’t it nuts that we’re posting “final recipes” of cookies and things? Time just goes SO fast. I can’t wait to see what you’ll have in store for 2018! Cheers, Leanne!

    Reply
    • Leanne says

      December 24, 2017 at 10:07 am

      I know! This year flew by! These bars are definitely a new fave! All the flavour is in the dark chocolate and chai! So good 🙂

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Find a Recipe

Meet Leanne

Hey there! I'm Leanne and welcome to Crumb Top Baking. I'm a self-taught baker, home cook and food photographer, and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that help people eat a little healthier and find balance in the recipes they prepare for themselves and their families. Learn more about me and what you'll find on Crumb Top Baking....

Follow Crumb Top Baking

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Popular Posts

  • Up close view of air fryer roasted beets in a white bowl with a spoon inserted into the beets. Air Fryer Beets (Easy Roasted Beets)
  • Overhead view of Air Fryer Peppers and Onions served in a white oval dish with a spoon inserted into it. Air Fryer Peppers and Onions
  • Overhead view of air fryer tortilla chips arranged in bowls with dips, beer and jalapenos surrounding it. How to Make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips ...
  • White Wine Spritzer with Fruit in a wine glass on a pink surface. White Wine Spritzer with Fruit

Copyright © 2022 crumbtopbaking.com - Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Crumb Top BakingLogo Header Menu
  • Home
  • About & Contact
  • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe