We have been having a tough time getting the school lunch balance right. Somehow we have to create a lunch that is (1) exciting enough for my daughter to eat without encouragement, (2) filling enough to get her through the afternoon, (3) an optimal balance of carbohydrates (for energy), protein, and fat (to keep her feeling full), (4) capable of being eaten fairly fast (i.e. no bags of popcorn), (5) nutrient dense, and (6) not too high in sugar. It is not an easy task, and one that we repeatedly fail at. It was this school lunch issue that led me to create these delicious gluten free peanut butter chocolate chip bars.
These amazingly filling and tasty little morsels contain plenty of protein from the peanut butter, egg, and oats, a burst of omega-3 fatty acids from the flax seed, and no added sugar (save for a few chocolate chips, which are there as an incentive to eat when there is no parent providing encouragement). The sweetness comes primarily from the dates, which contain potassium and plenty of fiber along with the natural sugar they contain. And as long as you buy gluten-free oats, these peanut butter chocolate chip bars are also gluten free.
- 1 cup oats
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dates (~8)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
- Line 8×8 baking tin with parchment paper, or lightly coat with cooking spray or butter.
- Blend the oats until fine.
- Add the baking soda, flax seed, and salt to the oats and mix.
- In a separate bowl, pour ¼ cup hot water over ½ cup dates, let sit for a few minutes, then blend to a thick paste.
- Whisk the egg in a large bowl. Add the date puree, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and dry ingredients, and stir until well combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking tin and press down firmly all over (I found it easiest to do this with my hands).
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and leave to cool in the baking tin.
- Once cool, remove from the tin, cut into squares, and enjoy.
Did you know you can change the course of your health just by eating the right food? I am here to show you how you can eat simple healthy food without stress, guilt, or shame.
These look great Esther – I love that they’re packed full of goodies rather than loads of sugar. I’m always on the lookout for sweeter alternatives I can give the kids. Will give these a try x
I hope you like them. And you can always put in fewer chocolate chips if you want to cut the sugar even more. I bet they would still be good with 1/2 cup instead of 2/3.
fewer chocolate chips? words I have never ever used on one sentence, Esther! 🙂
Excited to try these!
I hope you enjoy them. They are perfect for a post-surf snack 🙂
Those look delicious! I’ve been looking for more recipes with oats. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
You’re welcome. I like to include oats in my recipes too. A nice way to boost energy and fiber intake.
This looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing with us at the #HealthyLivingLinkParty
Would this recipe work if i used flour instead of oats?
I haven’t tried it, but yes I think it would.
Being a Celiac, I am always baking snacks and looking for new recipes that avoid gluten. I realize that everyone’s tastebuds differ, but . . . prepared according to directions, and they were (as my husband stated): “Absolutely tasteless.” I could not agree more. Far too dry; needs something to moisten the mix. One of life’s little experiments thrown into the trash.
Hi Karen. I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank you for your feedback. Esther x