Ultimate Gluten-Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars: An Allergy-Friendly Delight

Imagine your favorite oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, but amplified – thicker, chewier, and bursting with more flavor. These incredible Gluten-Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars are precisely that, offering a cookie experience on a whole new level. Each bite delivers a rich, soft texture that’s utterly scrumptious on its own. For an truly indulgent treat, elevate them with a scoop of safe vanilla ice cream and a luscious drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel. You’ll create a dessert so memorable, it will quickly become a household favorite. Best of all, these bars are a dream come true for those with dietary restrictions, being completely free of wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, with a convenient soy-free option available too. Dive into a dessert that everyone can enjoy without compromise!

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Why These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Will Become Your New Obsession

For as long as I can remember, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies have held the top spot as my absolute favorite. There’s something undeniably comforting about the homey taste and hearty texture of oats, especially when paired with pockets of melty chocolate. It’s a classic combination that truly is a match made in heaven.

However, the endless scooping of individual cookies can be tedious, and let’s be honest, it’s all too easy to lose count after the third (or sixth!) one. That’s precisely why I adore these oatmeal chocolate chip bars. By baking the dough in a single pan, I get a glorious slab of thick, soft, and chewy cookie goodness that I can cut into perfectly portioned bars – big or small, depending on my craving. This method saves time and effort, making homemade treats more accessible than ever.

These bars are wonderfully versatile. They are utterly satisfying on their own, perfect for a quick snack or a simple dessert. But when I’m feeling a little extra fancy, or just want to treat myself to something truly special, I transform them into a decadent experience. A warm bar, topped with a generous scoop of safe vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce or a velvety caramel sauce, instantly elevates a casual evening into a fancy dessert date – all from the comfort of my couch, usually in pajamas, while catching up on Netflix!

Crafting Gluten-Free Perfection: How These Bars Are Made Safe

Achieving a delicious gluten-free oatmeal chocolate chip bar requires careful ingredient selection. The foundation of these bars relies on two key components: a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. It’s crucial to use oats that are specifically labeled “certified gluten-free” to ensure they haven’t been cross-contaminated with wheat during processing. For both gluten-free and conventional versions, I always recommend using old-fashioned rolled oats for their superior texture, which contributes to that perfect chewiness.

When it comes to gluten-free flour, I often opt for a pre-made blend for convenience. If you’re making your own, or using a store-bought mix that doesn’t contain xanthan gum, you’ll want to add about 3/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum. This acts as a binder, mimicking the elasticity that gluten provides and preventing your bars from being crumbly. When selecting a commercial blend, look for one that features a rice/potato/tapioca base. If that’s not readily available, a blend incorporating sorghum also works wonderfully, providing a great texture and flavor profile for baked goods.

Dairy-Free Deliciousness: Simple Swaps for a Creamy Taste

Creating dairy-free oatmeal chocolate chip bars is surprisingly simple, yet incredibly impactful for those with allergies or dietary preferences. The primary dairy-free substitutes in this recipe are butter-flavored shortening and dairy-free chocolate chips. The butter-flavored shortening provides that familiar rich taste and creamy texture that butter typically brings to baked goods, ensuring your bars are just as moist and flavorful as their traditional counterparts. There are many fantastic brands of dairy-free chocolate chips on the market now, ranging from semi-sweet to “milk” chocolate style, so you can choose your favorite.

If you’re serving these bars with ice cream, ensure you pick a dairy-free variety. We love options from brands like Nada Moo, So Delicious, or O’My, which offer a range of delicious flavors that complement these bars perfectly. These simple substitutions ensure that everyone can enjoy a luscious, decadent dessert without worrying about dairy.

Are These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars Vegan? Absolutely!

Yes, these delicious oatmeal chocolate chip bars are 100% vegan-friendly! By carefully selecting plant-based ingredients and avoiding any animal-derived products – including eggs and dairy – this recipe ensures that everyone, including those following a vegan diet, can indulge without hesitation. The use of flax eggs (ground flax seeds mixed with water) as a binder and butter-flavored shortening as a fat substitute means you don’t sacrifice any flavor or texture when going plant-based. They are rich, chewy, and perfectly satisfying, proving that vegan baking can be just as amazing as traditional treats.

Soy-Free Options for a Top-8-Free Treat

While I often recommend butter-flavored shortening for its superior taste and texture, I understand that soy is another common allergen. Many conventional shortenings are soy-based. If you need a soy-free option, you have a couple of excellent alternatives. You can explore using a dairy-free, soy-free butter alternative in stick form (be sure to check labels carefully, as some “dairy-free” butters still contain soy). Another fantastic option is palm shortening, which is typically soy-free and provides a similar fat content and baking performance to traditional shortening.

Making this simple swap ensures your oatmeal chocolate chip bars are not only gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free, but also completely free of the top 8 major allergens, opening up a world of delicious possibilities for even more people. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure compliance with your specific dietary needs.

Storing Your Delicious Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

To keep your oatmeal chocolate chip bars fresh and delightful, proper storage is key. I prefer to store mine at room temperature, ensuring they are tightly covered to prevent them from drying out. An airtight container or wrapping them securely in plastic wrap will keep them perfectly soft and chewy for 2-3 days. The goal is to minimize exposure to air, which can quickly lead to stale bars.

While they disappear too quickly in my house to ever freeze, these bars would likely freeze beautifully! To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into individual portions. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.

Explore More Gluten-Free Vegan Cookie & Bar Recipes!

Since my son has severe allergies to wheat, dairy, and eggs, every single recipe in my baking recipe index is specifically developed to be gluten-free and vegan. If you’ve loved these oatmeal chocolate chip bars, you’re in for a treat! We clearly have a soft spot for cookies and bars, and I’m thrilled to share some of our other cherished allergy-friendly favorites to help you satisfy your sweet cravings:

Double Choco Chip Cookies: For those who believe more chocolate is always a good idea!
Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: A festive and refreshing twist on a classic.
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: The timeless favorite, made allergy-friendly.
Sugar Cookie Bars with Buttercream Frosting: Soft, sweet, and perfectly frosted.
Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookiess: A delightful combination of fruit and chocolate.
Black and White Cookies: A New York deli classic, made safe for all.
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie: A giant, warm cookie meant for sharing (or not!).
Homemade Oreos: Better than the store-bought version, and allergy-friendly!
White Chocolate Craisin Cookies: A chewy cookie with a festive touch.
Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars (aka Brookies): The best of both worlds in one delicious bite.
Individual Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies: For when you prefer the classic cookie shape.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies: A cozy, spiced treat perfect for autumn.
Chocolate Orange Cookies: A sophisticated flavor pairing that’s surprisingly addictive.
Roll Out Sugar Cookies: Perfect for decorating and holiday fun.
S’mores Cookies: All the campfire magic in a convenient cookie!
Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze: A sweet, comforting taste of fall.
Double Tree Chocolate Chip Cookies: Recreating that famous hotel cookie experience.
Iced Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies: Another seasonal favorite, wonderfully spiced and topped with glaze.
White Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Cookies: Elegant and festive, perfect for holidays.

Watch How Easy It Is to Make These Allergy-Friendly Bars!

Curious to see these delicious gluten-free vegan oatmeal chocolate chip bars come to life? I’ve put together a quick and engaging Tiktok video that offers a concise overview of the entire recipe process. It’s a short and sweet visual guide that will inspire you to get baking. Enjoy watching and then get ready to create your own batch of these crave-worthy cookie bars!

@allergyawesomeness##glutenfreevegan oatmeal chocolate chip bars. Easy & crave worthy. ##glutenfreebaking ##dairyfreebaking ##veganbaking ##greenscreen

♬ I’m So Hungry – Karter Zaher

Gluten Free Vegan Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Yield:
12 squares

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

If you love oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, then you are going to adore these gluten-free, vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookie bars. They’re thick, soft, and chewy, delivering a scrumptious dessert experience that’s free from gluten, dairy, and eggs. Perfect for allergy-friendly baking!

Ingredients

1 cup butter flavored shortening (see notes if you need a soy-free version)
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flax seeds + 5 Tbsp water)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 and 1/2 cups gluten free flour (see post above for options and recommendations)
2 cups certified gluten free old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips (more or less to taste – measure with your heart!)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×11 inch (2 quart) baking pan.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the shortening and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add the prepared flax eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the salt, baking soda, baking powder, gluten-free flour, and certified gluten-free oats to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips. Feel free to add more or less depending on how chocolatey you like your bars!
Press the cookie batter evenly into the prepared 8×11 inch pan. (Note: If you use a 9×13 inch pan, the bars will be thinner and may cook faster, so start checking for doneness around 15-20 minutes.)
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This ensures they set properly and are easier to cut. Store tightly covered at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Serve on their own, or for an extra special treat, top with a scoop of safe vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.

Notes

ADAPTED FROM: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookie-bars/

If you’re looking for more delicious gluten-free and dairy-free dinner ideas, be sure to check out my cookbook: An Allergy Mom’s Lifesaving Instant Pot Cookbook.

*Our family’s allergies, while severe and re-tested yearly, allow us to rely strictly on product labels. I do not contact companies regarding ingredient derivations or potential cross-contact during manufacturing. If your specific allergies require such diligence, please perform your own research. I cannot guarantee the safety of any ingredient for your individual needs; only you can make that determination. I simply share what works for our family’s specific dietary requirements.

**If you are preparing this recipe for someone with food allergies and you do not personally have allergies, I strongly recommend that you have them review every single brand and ingredient you plan to use to confirm they are safe for their consumption. Additionally, it is crucial to discuss with them best practices for preventing cross-contamination in your kitchen to ensure their safety and peace of mind.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 462Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 370mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 4gSugar: 39gProtein: 5g

DON’T FORGET TO PIN THIS RECIPE, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! WHILE YOU’RE THERE, BE SURE TO ALSO EXPLORE MY OTHER GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN PINTEREST BOARDS FOR MORE INSPIRATION AND DELICIOUS IDEAS.