Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars

Name: Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/2 cup melted coconut oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup fresh raspberries; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars for a sweet and nutritious snack! The combination of rich chocolate and tart raspberries creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. These bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for weeknight treat cravings or as a lunchbox surprise. I often enjoy them with a cup of tea to unwind after a long day. Once you try these, you'll understand why they have quickly become a household favorite!

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:37:18.927Z

Creating these Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars was an experiment that turned into a delightful success. I wanted to combine healthy oats, fresh fruit, and decadent chocolate to make a treat that I wouldn’t feel guilty about. After a few tries to get the right balance, I landed on using pure cocoa powder and whole raspberries, which worked beautifully to enhance the overall flavor.

One important tip I learned during my baking adventures is to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set and prevents them from crumbling apart. Trust me, the wait is worth it for the clean, beautiful slices!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        The perfect balance of chocolate sweetness and tart raspberry flavor
Made with wholesome oats to keep you energized
A guilt-free snack option that satisfies your sweet tooth

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The base of these Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars is made up of rolled oats that provide a hearty texture and a good source of fiber. The almond flour adds a nutty flavor and richness, which complements the chocolate without overpowering it. Cocoa powder not only introduces deep chocolatey taste but also gives the bars a beautiful, rich color. For those who need a sweetener, honey or maple syrup seamlessly bind the ingredients and introduce a hint of natural sweetness. If you're keen on using a different flour, substitutes like coconut flour can work, but be cautious with the quantity as it absorbs more moisture.

Using melted coconut oil not only adds a subtle flavor but also helps in achieving that perfect chewy yet firm texture. The salt is more than just seasoning; it enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors, making sure each bite is satisfying. If you're looking for a vegan alternative for the sweetener, maple syrup is an excellent choice. The combination of these wholesome ingredients ensures that you’re creating a snack that’s both enjoyable and nutritious!

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

When spreading the oat mixture into the baking dish, be sure to press it down firmly. This helps to create a solid base that holds together during cutting and enhances the bar's overall structure. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or the back of a spatula for this step to create an even surface. If you notice the base puffing up during baking, a quick press down with a spatula after removing it from the oven can help seal it back into shape while it cools.

After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling period is crucial, as cutting too early could lead to crumbly bars that fall apart. Once cool, you can run a knife along the edges to loosen them from the pan, making it easier to lift them out. If you’d like to enhance the presentation, consider drizzling a bit of melted chocolate on the top once cooled for an additional layer of flavor and a visually appealing finish.

Ingredients

For the Base

2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling

1 cup fresh raspberries
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to wash the raspberries gently to avoid damaging them.

Instructions

Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix the Base

In a bowl, combine oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, honey, melted coconut oil, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Spread the Mixture

Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the base.

Prepare the Filling

In a small bowl, gently toss the raspberries with honey or maple syrup.

Add Filling and Top

Spread the raspberry mixture over the base and sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Then add the remaining oat mixture over the top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the bars are set.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the raspberries with your favorite berry for a different flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars can be enjoyed as is, or you can elevate them by serving them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent dessert option. They also make a great protein-packed snack paired with nut butter or a cup of your favorite tea. Their natural sweetness and tartness balance beautifully with a hot beverage, making them perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

For a fun twist, try adding other fruits such as crushed strawberries or blueberries to mix up the flavor profile. You can also experiment by incorporating nuts or seeds to the filling for an added crunch and higher nutritional value. Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your preferences!

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you plan on making these bars ahead of time, they store exceptionally well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them where they can last for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are completely cooled before covering them to avoid moisture buildup that might make the texture soggy.

You can also freeze these bars for up to three months. Simply cut them into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or heat them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling.

→ How do I store leftover bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for extended freshness.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use gluten-free oats to make these bars gluten-free.