Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

Are you looking for a delicious snack that’s packed with nutrients but tastes like a treat? Look no further! Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars are here to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a healthy punch. These bars combine the rich, indulgent flavor of chocolate with the earthiness of black beans, making them a unique and satisfying bite. Plus, they are easy to prepare—perfect for the busy home cook who still wants to enjoy something indulgent without the guilt!

These bars are gluten-free, vegan, and filled with wholesome ingredients. With a slight chewiness and a chocolatey flavor that will enchant your taste buds, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a post-workout treat, they are versatile enough to fit any moment of your day.

Get comfortable, and let’s dive into this amazing recipe that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

There are endless reasons to love these Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars. Here are just a few:

1. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber from black beans and oats, these bars support a healthy digestive system.
2. Natural Sweetness: Maple syrup adds a delightful sweetness without the need for refined sugar.
3. Simple and Quick: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes.
4. Customizable: You can play around with the ingredients. Add nuts, seeds, or even different nut butters to make them your own.
5. Energy Boost: Perfect for a quick energy boost before or after a workout, these bars provide a satisfying and nutritious option.

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make these tasty bars!

Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars are a rich, fudgy, and nutritious treat made with wholesome ingredients like black beans, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and oats. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, they’re a guilt-free snack or dessert packed with fiber and protein.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats

Optional Add-Ons:

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, blend the black beans, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Add the rolled oats and pulse a few times to combine while keeping some texture.
4. If using chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture.
5. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bars are set and slightly firm to the touch.
7. Let cool completely before slicing into squares. If topping with chocolate, melt the chips with coconut oil and drizzle or spread over cooled bars.
8. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

• Ensure beans are fully rinsed to avoid any savory taste.
• Bars firm up more after cooling; don’t overbake.
• Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• Use almond or sunflower butter as a peanut-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: chocolate black bean oat bars, healthy dessert, gluten-free bars, vegan chocolate bars, high-protein snack

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

To whip up your Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Essential Ingredients:

  • 1 can Black Beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed): This is the star ingredient, providing fiber and protein.
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds the deep, rich chocolate flavor without added sugar.
  • 1/4 cup Peanut Butter: Creamy and full of healthy fats, this binds the bars together and adds richness.
  • 1/3 cup Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener, maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the bars while keeping them all-natural.
  • 1 cup Old Fashioned Rolled Oats: Provides texture and substance to the bars, making them filling and hearty.

• Optional Add-Ons:

  • 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips: For those who love extra chocolate, mixing some chips into your bars will take them to the next level.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Coconut Oil: If you’re adding chocolate on top, this oil helps to create a smoother melting chocolate that coats evenly.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to start creating these delightful bars!

How to Make Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars: Step by Step

Making your Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars is simple and straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and nutritious snack:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your essential ingredients. Make sure your black beans are drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium.

2. Blend the Base: In a food processor, add the drained black beans, cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, and oats. Process the mixture at medium to high speed. Keep blending until it forms a thick chocolate paste. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to ensure everything is blended evenly. You want a smooth consistency, but it’s okay if there are still some small pieces of oats for texture.

3. Adjust the Consistency: If you find that the mixture is too wet or sticky, simply add a little more oats to absorb some moisture. Blend again until the oats are fully incorporated.

4. Shape the Bars: Take a piece of lightly oiled parchment paper and place it on your countertop. Press the chocolate paste onto the parchment, then cover it with another piece of parchment. Use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten it down into a rectangle shape that is about 1 inch thick.

5. Melt the Chocolate: For the chocolate topping, place the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each interval until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

6. Add the Chocolate Layer: Carefully pour the melted chocolate over the flattened bar base, spreading it evenly to cover the top. Leave the edges free of chocolate to make slicing easier after setting.

7. Set the Bars: To allow the chocolate to set perfectly, place the entire bar (still on the parchment) in the freezer for about 12 minutes. This will help the chocolate harden and keep the bars together.

8. Cut Into Bars: After the setting time has passed, remove the bar from the parchment paper carefully. Place the bar on a cutting board and slice it into 6 even rectangular bars.

And there you have it! Your homemade Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars are ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

These lovely Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Quick Breakfast: Grab one on your way out the door to have a nutritious start to your day.
• Snack Time: Perfect for a midday boost, pack a bar for a satisfying snack at work or school.
• Post-Workout Treat: Replenish your energy with these bars after a workout, thanks to the protein and healthy carbs they contain.
• Dessert Option: Enjoy them as a healthier dessert option, especially if you drizzle a bit of almond or peanut butter on top.

Incorporating these bars into different meals or snacks will keep your diet exciting and healthy!

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

To ensure that your Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars turn out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

1. Blend Well: Make sure the black beans are pureed well with the other ingredients for a smooth texture. If you like some texture, leave the oats partially intact.
2. Oven Alternative: If you prefer, you can bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This results in a slightly different texture, making it more like a traditional brownie.
3. Chill Before Slicing: If you find the bars too soft to cut, consider letting them chill longer in the refrigerator to firm up.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Add in spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract for an extra flavor dimension.
5. Proper Storage: To maintain freshness, store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge.

Easy Variations for Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

Feel free to mix and match ingredients for a variety of flavors and textures:

• Nutty Variant: Add chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) to the mixture for added crunch and nutrition.
• Different Nut Butters: Swap peanut butter with almond butter or sun butter for a different nutty flavor.
• Coconut Twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical vibe, or sprinkle it on top with the chocolate layer.
• Fruit Inclusions: Add dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots to the mix or on top for added sweetness and chewiness.

The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with what you have on hand!

Storage Tips to Store Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

To keep your bars fresh and tasty:

• Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This will keep them fresh and maintain texture.
• Freeze for Longer Life: For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last for up to three months. Just pop them out when you need a snack!
• Thawing: If frozen, let the bars sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying, or microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.

Conclusion

Your journey into creating delicious, nutritious Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars is sure to be rewarding. Not only do they taste incredible, but they also come together quite effortlessly. Loaded with wholesome ingredients and a burst of chocolate flavor, these bars offer the perfect balance of healthiness and indulgence.

Enjoy them at breakfast, as a midday snack, or even a guilt-free dessert. With a few tips and variations, you can make this recipe your own over of times. Share with family and friends, and delight in the joy of homemade snacks that keep everyone happy and healthy!

FAQs About Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars

By following this recipe, serving suggestions, and tips, you’ll enjoy delightful Chocolate Black Bean Oat Bars that are not only tasty but also a wholesome addition to your diet! Enjoy!

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