Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

These vegan chocolate chip cookie bars are the perfect solution for those days when you want cookies but don't have the energy to shape individual treats. They combine the comforting flavors of traditional chocolate chip cookies with wholesome ingredients, creating a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things plant-based and nutritious.

I first created these bars during a rainy weekend when my friends with dietary restrictions were visiting. They disappeared so quickly that I now always keep the ingredients on hand for impromptu gatherings or healthy snacks.

Ingredients

• Gluten-free rolled oats The backbone of these bars providing hearty texture and a nutritional boost. Look for certified gluten-free oats if you have celiac concerns.
• Large banana Adds natural sweetness and binding properties. Choose one with some brown spots for best flavor.
• Unsweetened applesauce Creates moisture without added oils or fats. Homemade works well too.
• Flax eggs Perfect vegan egg replacer that adds healthy omega-3s. Fresh ground flax seeds work better than pre-ground.
• Sea salt Enhances all the flavors. A flaky sea salt makes a difference here.
• Vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth. Pure extract rather than imitation gives the best flavor.
• Date syrup Natural sweetener that adds caramel notes. You can substitute maple syrup in a pinch.
• Vegan chocolate chips The star of the show. Look for brands that use cocoa butter rather than milk derivatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of coconut oil or line with parchment paper for easy removal. The parchment paper makes cleanup much easier and ensures nothing sticks.

Blend The Base

Add the banana, applesauce, flax eggs, sea salt, vanilla extract, date syrup, and 2 cups of the oats to your blender. Blend everything until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. This creates a cohesive base for your bars with a perfect consistency.

Add Texture And Mix Ins

Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl and fold in the remaining 1/3 cup of oats and all the chocolate chips by hand. The extra oats provide texture contrast while the hand-mixing ensures the chocolate chips remain intact rather than getting broken by the blender.

Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. The batter will be thick, so take your time to create an even layer for consistent baking.

Bake To Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with perhaps a few moist crumbs.

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The date syrup is my secret weapon in these bars. I discovered it at a local Middle Eastern market and it adds this incredible caramel-like flavor that regular sugar simply can't match. My family now requests these bars specifically because of that rich, complex sweetness that pairs so beautifully with the chocolate chips.

Texture Variations

These vegan chocolate chip cookie bars are wonderfully versatile in terms of texture. If you prefer a more traditional cookie texture, reduce the applesauce to 1/3 cup and add an additional tablespoon of ground flax. For a more cake-like consistency, you can increase the applesauce to 2/3 cup. The beauty of this recipe is how it can be adjusted to suit your personal preference without compromising on flavor or wholesome ingredients.

Flavor Customizations

While chocolate chips are the classic choice, this recipe serves as an excellent base for endless flavor variations. Try mixing in chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity twist, or add a quarter cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and protein. During fall, I often add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warming spice notes. My personal favorite variation includes a tablespoon of orange zest which brightens the entire treat with citrus undertones.

Kid-Friendly Baking Project

These vegan chocolate chip cookie bars make an ideal baking project to do with children. Unlike traditional cookies that require precision in shaping and timing, these bars are much more forgiving. Kids can help measure ingredients, push the blender buttons (with supervision), and mix in the chocolate chips. The simple pour-and-spread technique is accessible even to young helpers, and the relatively quick baking time means they won't lose interest before enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Healthy Dessert Benefits

These bars offer substantial nutritional benefits compared to traditional cookies. The oats provide complex carbohydrates and fiber that help stabilize blood sugar, while the flax eggs contribute essential omega-3 fatty acids. By using fruit as a primary sweetener, the recipe significantly reduces refined sugar content while maintaining satisfying sweetness. They make an excellent post-workout snack with a balance of carbohydrates and plant proteins, and can even work as a quick breakfast option on busy mornings when paired with a piece of fruit or plant-based yogurt.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the flax eggs in these chocolate chip bars?

Yes, you can substitute the flax eggs with chia eggs (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or commercial egg replacers. In some cases, ¼ cup of additional applesauce or mashed banana can work as well, though the texture may be slightly different.

→ How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the edges start to brown slightly and the center appears set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Remember they will continue to firm up as they cool.

→ Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free rolled oats?

Regular rolled oats will work perfectly in this recipe if you don't require the bars to be gluten-free. Quick oats can also be used, though they may result in a slightly different texture.

→ What can I substitute for date syrup?

Maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut nectar are excellent substitutes for date syrup. Brown rice syrup or a simple solution of brown sugar dissolved in a small amount of warm water would also work in a pinch.

→ How should I adjust baking time for a glass versus metal baking dish?

If using a glass baking dish, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F as glass retains heat more efficiently. You might also need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes. For metal pans, follow the recipe as written.

→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these bars?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, shredded coconut, or dried fruit make excellent additions. Start with about ¼ to ⅓ cup of mix-ins, and you can reduce the chocolate chips slightly to maintain the right consistency.