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Vegan chocolate chip oat bars

These better-for-you vegan bars are made with roasted pumpkin, oats and dark choc chips. Cut into slices ready for lunchboxes and snacks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients
  

  • 420 g pumpkin or squash peeled and de-seeded weight, cut into 2cm cubes
  • 1 tsp sunflower oil
  • 100 g dairy-free spread or coconut oil such as Pure
  • 50 g light soft brown sugar
  • 75 g soft dates roughly chopped, stoned weight; medjool or Persian dates give the best stickiest results
  • 175 g jumbo oats
  • 90 g plain wholemeal flour we used spelt
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 90 g nuts we used almonds, roughly chopped
  • 60 g dark chocolate chunks at least 70% cocoa solids
  • 30 g cocoa nibs

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 180ºC fan/gas 6. Spread the squash in a roasting tin, toss with the sunflower oil and roast for 20-25 minutes until softened and golden. Set aside and reduce the oven to 160ºC fan/gas 4.
  2. Meanwhile, melt the spread/oil and sugar with the dates in a small pan over a low heat. Remove from the heat. Add the roasted squash while still hot, then blend until smooth with a stick blender/food processor.
  3. Mix the oats, flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Add the roasted squash mixture, then mix using a table knife (as you’d mix scones), being careful not to overwork the mixture. When almost combined, stir in the nuts, chocolate chunks and cocoa nibs. Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin, pushing it into the corners to evenly distribute, but be gentle – try not to press it down and flatten the top too much. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden on top. Leave to cool completely, then cut into 12 fingers.

Notes

Ensure the bars are completely cool before cutting them to maintain shape. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.