Save Avocado Chocolate Chip Energy Bars are my answer to those afternoons when I need a nutritious snack that keeps me and my family energized yet feels like a treat. The creamy avocado replaces some of the usual butter and oil, giving these bars a soft bite and a subtle richness. Chewy oats and just the right hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup make every bite satisfying, while dark chocolate chips add a little fun.
I remember baking these bars on a Sunday with my kids, their faces lighting up as they pressed the dough into the pan and waited for the chocolate chips to melt. Now it is a staple in our house before road trips and during busy weeks.
Ingredients
- Ripe avocado: Smooth and mild it offers creaminess without overpowering the flavor. Choose an avocado with dark, slightly soft skin that yields to gentle pressure
- Coconut oil: Adds healthy fats and moisture Opt for unrefined cold-pressed oil for the best taste
- Honey or maple syrup: Naturally sweetens and helps the bars hold together Look for pure, high-quality syrup or local raw honey
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and creates a tender texture Use the freshest eggs for best results
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and brings warmth Choose real vanilla extract if you can
- Rolled oats: Chewy and wholesome They hold the bar together and add fiber Go for old-fashioned rolled oats for structure
- Almond flour: Adds richness and keeps things gluten free Fine almond flour gives the best texture
- Ground flaxseed: Packs in fiber and helps bind Use freshly ground flaxseed for maximum nutrition
- Baking soda: A touch helps these rise and bake evenly Always check for freshness so the bars come out perfect
- Salt: Balances flavors and makes the chocolate pop Use fine sea salt for even distribution
- Dark chocolate chips: Provides bursts of chocolate and pairs beautifully with avocado Use chips with a high cocoa percentage for deep flavor
- Chopped walnuts: Optional but add crunch and healthy fats Choose fresh unsalted nuts for the best taste and texture
Instructions
- Prep the pan and oven:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit This step ensures your bars will lift out easily and bake evenly
- Make the wet base:
- In a large bowl mash the ripe avocado until it is completely smooth Add melted coconut oil honey or maple syrup egg and vanilla extract Whisk well so the mixture is silky without lumps
- Combine the dry mix:
- In another medium bowl stir together the rolled oats almond flour ground flaxseed baking soda and salt Break up any lumps with your fingers This helps create even bars
- Bring the batter together:
- Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture Stir gently with a spatula just until the dry spots disappear Do not overmix or the bars may become dense
- Fold in chocolate and nuts:
- Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and walnuts if using Save a handful of chocolate chips for sprinkling on top if you like added chocolate bursts
- Spread and shape:
- Scoop the dough into the lined pan Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly to the corners and smooth the top Press with the back of a spoon to compact the mix
- Bake to perfection:
- Slide the pan into the oven and bake for twenty two to twenty five minutes until the edges turn golden and a toothpick pulls out with just a few crumbs The smell will fill your kitchen
- Cool and cut:
- Let the pan cool completely on a rack before lifting out the whole slab Use a sharp knife to cut twelve neat bars This keeps them chewy and helps them hold together
Save Flaxseed adds extra fiber and omega threes for a more filling snack. Avocado is my not so secret favorite here. When I made these with my youngest she was amazed you could not taste the avocado at all, causing a round of giggles every time I cut the bars.
Storage Tips
Keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days If you want to save extras just wrap individual bars in parchment paper and store them in a freezer bag They will be ready to grab one at a time straight from the freezer and thaw in the lunchbox or microwave in seconds
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need the bars to be vegan swap the egg with a flax egg and make sure your chocolate is dairy free For nut free bars use oat flour in place of almond flour and skip the walnuts Gluten free oats make these bars completely gluten free as well For extra flavor try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of dried cranberries
Serving Suggestions
They work as an after school snack post workout energy boost or even breakfast on busy mornings Sometimes I break up a bar and layer it over yogurt and berries for a parfait style treat They also tuck neatly into snack boxes for travel or hikes
Cultural and Historical Context
Energy bars are a staple in American snacking culture but homemade versions like this have surged in popularity for their wholesome ingredients and versatility Using avocado as a base is a clever way to add nutrients and natural creaminess without dairy
Seasonal Adaptations
Use fresh or dried cherries instead of chocolate chips for a fruity spring twist Add pumpkin seeds or pecans during autumn Mix in chopped dried apricots or coconut in the summer for extra brightness
Success Stories
Many friends have asked for this recipe after seeing my daughter bring these to school and trade bites for other treats Feedback always includes how surprisingly delicious and satisfying they are with no hint of avocado flavor just pure chocolate oat goodness
Freezer Meal Conversion
Double the recipe and bake in two pans Let them cool then wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze in a zipper bag Pull out whenever you are low on energy but want to avoid store bought bars
Save These bars have turned snack time into something we all look forward to and I always love seeing the surprise when people find out there is avocado in their favorite chocolatey treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the egg for a vegan version?
Yes, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed plus 2.5 tbsp water, mixed and rested) for a vegan option.
- → How do I ensure the bars are done baking?
Bake until edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 22–25 minutes.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats and ensure all ingredients are free of gluten-containing additives.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer shelf life.
- → Can I add other ingredients for variety?
Absolutely. Try adding dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or swapping in other nuts for the walnuts for extra flavor.