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    Salted Plains » Recipes » Cookies & Bars

    Healthy Almond Butter Oat Bars (Gluten-Free)

    Published: Mar 28, 2020 · Modified: Sep 6, 2021 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Healthy Almond Butter Oat Bars are made with only seven ingredients. Topped with a layer of chocolate, oat crumble, and sea salt, these bars are suitable for breakfast, snack, or dessert! Gluten-free and vegan.

    Chocolate Almond Butter Oat Bars on parchment paperThis recipe was inspired by a serious staring contest with my pantry. 

    I wanted to make something sweet. And a little salty. With chocolate. But also kind of healthy. 

    Too much to ask?

    chocolate on oatsThe answer to that question was, thankfully, no. 

    Plus, bonus points because this almond butter bars recipe is also no-bake!

    chocolate almond butter oat bars in pan

    Almond Butter Oat Bars Ingredients

    These easy oatmeal bars are pretty pantry friendly. Here's what you'll need:

    • Gluten-free oats
    • Maple syrup
    • Almond butter
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Coconut oil
    • Vanilla extract
    chocolate oat bars

    Gluten-Free Oats

    Oats make up the base of this recipe. If you are gluten-free or need to adhere to a gluten-free diet, you'll want to make sure you are using certified gluten-free oats.

    Luckily, they are easy to find these days. The Kitchn has a summary about oats in gluten-free baking.

    Chocolate Oat Bars

    Maple Syrup

    Along with the almond butter used in this recipe, maple syrup acts as the glue. It naturally sweetens these bars so that they are sweet but not too sweet. If you are not vegan, honey should work here as a substitute if needed.

    Chocolate Oat Bars

    Almond Butter

    Working as a binder, lending flavor, and adding a good amount of protein, almond butter is most definitely the muscles of this gluten-free oat bar recipe.

    Don't have almond butter? Peanut butter would make a delicious substitute, as well as other nut butters or sunbutter. 

    Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

    In conjunction with coconut oil, unsweetened cocoa powder makes for a dreamy ganache-like chocolate layer. Cocoa powder is a staple in my pantry. Using it to create this luscious chocolate middle also allows for controlling the sugar content.

    Coconut Oil

    While coconut oil is often interchangeable for butter or vegan butter when necessary, its ability to slightly harden once chilled is needed here. Don't like the slightly coconut-y flavor? Use refined coconut oil for a flavorless application.

    breakfast bars on parchment paper

    More Gluten-Free Oats Recipes

    Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Skillet Crisp

    Oatmeal Cream Pies

    French Toast Granola

    Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

    Blackberry Crumble

    Almond Butter Oat Bars cut into squares on parchment paper.

    Healthy Almond Butter Oat Bars

    These no bake Healthy Almond Butter Oat Bars are made with only seven ingredients. Topped with a layer of chocolate, oat crumble, and sea salt, these bars are suitable for breakfast, snack, or dessert! Gluten-free and vegan.
    4.91 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Chilling Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 401kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Ingredients

    • ¾ cup almond butter
    • ½ cup + 3 tablespoons maple syrup, divided room temperature
    • 3 cups (625g) gluten-free oats
    • heaping ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ¼ cup coconut oil melted and cooled
    • sea salt, for sprinkling

    Instructions

    • Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
    • In a small saucepan, combine almond butter and ½ cup of the maple syrup over low heat. Stir occasionally until almond butter has melted and mixture has evenly incorporated, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla extract.
    • Place oats in a large bowl. Pour almond butter mixture over oats and stir until oats have been evenly coated. Transfer ¾ of the oat mixture to prepared pan. Using an extra piece of parchment paper, press mixture down firmly into an even layer.
    • In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, and remaining 3 tablespoons of maple syrup. Whisk until combined. Pour cocoa mixture over oats in baking pan. Use a spatula to spread into an even layer.
    • Take remaining oat mixture and drop crumbled pieces on top. Sprinkle with sea salt. Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
    • Store almond butter oat bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 401kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!
    Almond Butter Oat Bars cut into squares on parchment paper.
    « 20 Easy Gluten-Free Baking Recipes
    Gluten-Free Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Madeline

      May 14, 2022 at 9:18 am

      5 stars
      This is absolutely one of the best no-bake recipes I've ever made! Soo easy and so delicious. I will be making these on rotation for sure! I used half tahini and half almond butter instead of all almond butter, and reduced the maple syrup just slightly as I like things a little less sweet. I also sprinkled maldon flaked sea salt on top at the end. AMAZING results. Thanks for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 17, 2022 at 11:34 am

        Thanks so much, Madeline!

        Reply
    2. Sarah L.

      October 09, 2021 at 1:18 pm

      5 stars
      These were delicious and I couldn't keep my hands off them!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 09, 2021 at 3:41 pm

        So glad you liked them!! :)

        Reply
    3. Joe LeRoy

      October 09, 2021 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      My 3 and 5 year old love helping make these!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        October 09, 2021 at 3:40 pm

        That's awesome!!

        Reply
    4. Oscar Martinez

      May 04, 2020 at 7:33 am

      4 stars
      I thought I followed your instructions to a T but my chocolate mixture looked nothing like what your pics suggest. I cooled the coconut oil as was recommended but, my mixture was more liquid than thick and definitely not enough to look like it could be spread over the oats. Otherwise a good recipe.

      Reply
    5. Nancy

      May 03, 2020 at 11:34 am

      5 stars
      I made the almond butter bars yesterday and they are fabulous! The recipe was simple and the flavors blend so well.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 04, 2020 at 5:25 pm

        Thanks, Nancy! It's quickly become one of my favorites.

        Reply
    6. Katie

      May 03, 2020 at 9:25 am

      What kind of oats would you recommend? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 04, 2020 at 5:24 pm

        Hi Katie - I'd recommend using gluten-free old fashioned rolled oats. Bob's Red Mill brand is my go-to!

        Reply
    7. Sharon Krueger

      May 02, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      I just made them, and they are so good! I'm getting my healthy chocolate fix right now!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 04, 2020 at 5:22 pm

        I'm so glad! Thank you, Sharon!

        Reply
    8. Ann High

      May 02, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      I wish that you had put the nutritonal contents for this recipe. I have health problems and need that information. It looks good but I need the nutrional info.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 04, 2020 at 5:22 pm

        Thanks, Ann. I hope to have nutritional content here soon.

        Reply
      • kayla

        August 03, 2021 at 10:25 am

        Calories
        4466.16kcal
        223%
        Total Fat
        201.76g
        288%
        Carbs
        577.08g
        222%
        Sugars
        114.09g
        127%
        Protein
        125.45g
        251%
        Sodium
        1743.98mg
        87%
        Fiber
        88.84g
        317%
        Saturated Fat
        67.34g
        337%
        Trans Fat
        0g
        -
        Monounsaturated Fat
        77.39g
        -
        Polyunsaturated Fat
        40.92g
        -
        Cholesterol
        0mg
        0%
        Calcium
        1162.21mg
        145%
        Magnesium
        1522.36mg
        406%
        Potassium
        4545.57mg
        130%
        Iron
        36.71mg
        262%
        Zinc
        32.61mg
        326%
        Phosphorus
        3675.09mg
        525%
        Vitamin A
        0.56mkg
        0%
        Vitamin C
        0mg
        0%
        Thiamin B1
        3.08mg
        280%
        Riboflavin B2
        4.83mg
        345%
        Niacin B3
        13.61mg
        85%
        Vitamin B6
        0.85mg
        61%
        Folic Acid B9
        306.28mkg
        153%
        Vitamin B12
        0mkg
        0%
        Vitamin D
        0mkg
        0%
        Vitamin E
        48.1mg
        401%
        Vitamin K
        13.29mkg
        18%

        Reply
    9. Jana

      May 02, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! These are so good. They definitely aren't going to last long.

      Reply
      • Tessa

        May 02, 2020 at 1:15 pm

        Thank you!! I'm so glad!

        Reply
    10. Laura

      April 03, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      5 stars
      Making these tomorrow!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        April 04, 2020 at 7:14 am

        Hope you love them!

        Reply
    11. Waverly Coyne

      March 30, 2020 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      thank you!!! this recipe was terrific in both taste and look!

      Reply
      • Tessa

        March 30, 2020 at 10:25 am

        That is awesome!! Thanks so much!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

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