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 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh raspberries

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars because they combine my favorite flavors into a delicious and satisfying treat. The chewy oats create a hearty base while the tart raspberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and earthy notes. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet dessert, these bars are not only tasty but also packed with wholesome ingredients. I often make a batch to have on hand for an easy grab-and-go option during busy days.

Created by

Autumn Pierce

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:28:20.747Z

Creating these Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars has become a cherished activity in my kitchen. I love experimenting with the ratios of oats and chocolate to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Over time, I've discovered that using fresh raspberries enhances the overall taste, making each bar moist and vibrant. The key is to let them cool completely before slicing, as this step allows the ingredients to meld perfectly.

As I bake, the delightful aroma of chocolate and berries fills my home, making it hard to resist sneaking a piece before they’ve set. I’ve found that adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking elevates the sweetness of the chocolate, rounding off the flavors beautifully. These bars never last long in my house!

        Reasons You'll Love These Bars
        Bursting with the tangy flavor of fresh raspberries
Chewy oats give a satisfying texture
Perfect for both snacks and desserts

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of rolled oats and almond flour provides a hearty foundation for these bars. Rolled oats contribute significant fiber, ensuring a satisfying chewiness, while almond flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and aids in creating a moist texture. This blend of dry ingredients also forms the heart of the bar's structure, allowing them to hold together beautifully once baked.

Using unsweetened cocoa powder is essential; it balances the sweetness added by brown sugar and honey. This allows the tartness of the raspberries to shine through. The choice of coconut oil as the fat not only adds a light coconut flavor but ensures the bars remain moist without using dairy. If you're looking for a substitution, melted unsalted butter or even applesauce can work in a pinch, though they will slightly alter the final texture.

Perfecting the Technique

When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. You want to achieve just a cohesive batter; overmixing can lead to denser bars rather than the light texture we aim for. When folding in the raspberries, do so gently to maintain their shape. This will ensure that you get delightful bursts of raspberry in every bite without transforming them into mush.

After baking, it's crucial to let the bars cool completely in the pan. This setting time allows the ingredients to meld and solidify. If you try to cut them too early, they may crumble. I recommend letting them sit for at least 30 minutes after baking. If you're short on time, placing them in the fridge can expedite the cooling process, making cutting easier.

Ingredients

For the Bars

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh raspberries

Additional Notes

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well.

Add Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined.

Fold in Raspberries

Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much.

Bake

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until set.

Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and cut into bars.

Enjoy Your Bars!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars before slicing. This adds a rich finish that complements the raspberries beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Raspberry Oat Bars are perfect for meal prep! Once cooled and sliced, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, they freeze wonderfully. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature whenever you're ready to indulge.

To keep these bars at their best, avoid leaving them exposed at room temperature for extended periods, especially in warm environments. The coconut oil can become too soft, leading to mushy bars. Also, ensure they are well-covered to prevent them from absorbing moisture or odors from the fridge or freezer.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them even further! Try drizzling a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top before they cool, or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt. The creaminess adds a wonderful contrast to the tartness of the raspberries.

For a fun twist, consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the mix for added crunch and flavor. You can also swap out raspberries for other berries, like blueberries or strawberries, depending on your preference and what’s in season. Just keep the total fruit quantity the same to maintain the balance in the recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

→ Can I substitute the almond flour?

Absolutely! You can use all-purpose flour or oat flour as a substitute.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute honey with maple syrup to make the bars vegan.