Oat fudge crumble bars have been a favorite potluck recipe for generations. However, just because they contain oats does not make the standard version of these treats a healthy choice.

Many classic oat fudge bar recipes, including copycat recipes you can find online for the famous Starbucks oatmeal fudge bars, contain a shocking amount of butter and sugar even by traditional dessert standards. Think one and a half cups of butter, two cups of white refined flour, and an entire two cups of sugar, not to mention all the sugar from two cups of chocolate chips and a can of sweetened condensed milk.

If any recipe were screaming for a healthy makeover and to be ‘healthified’ the traditional chocolate oatmeal fudge bar would be it. So here we have it, a healthy, super easy, no bake Chocolate Oat Crumble Protein Bar recipe!  It’s the perfect snack, dessert or treat to satisfy your sweet tooth – totally guilt-free.

In the first bite, you are instantly hit with the intense dark chocolate flavor from the fudge filling.  Then, you get the heartiness from the oats, crunch from the walnuts, and slight sweetness from the honey.

These healthy oat fudge bites combine two of my all-time favorites — chocolate and tahini — along with my new oat obsession for an easy, quick and satisfying treat that’s healthy enough to eat for breakfast! Yes, chocolate for breakfast is way-ok in my book. 🙂

This is yet another recipe of mine that features tahini. I just can’t get enough of the stuff. I loved it way before it ever became cool and trendy on social media. I literally grew up eating it in desserts, condiments, but more often for breakfast. It’s such a versatile and nutritious ingredient. You can expect to see a lot more tahini recipes from me in the future because I will never grow bored of it nor will I stop experimenting and creating new recipes with it!

The little sesame seeds that tahini is made from are certainly not small fry when it comes to packing a nutritional punch. Tahini (aka liquid gold) is made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It’s smooth, nutty and rich, with a slightly bitter finish and a mouthfeel similar to almond or peanut butter.

Tahini contains all the essential amino acids, making it a high quality protein, plus it is rich in lecithin, vitamin E and calcium. It is easily digestible because its high alkaline mineral content and because of its non-acid nature, tahini is an ideal protein source for people with weak digestive systems, invalids and young children, and is an excellent source of quick energy for active people and athletes.

This recipe is pretty basic and only calls for a handful of ingredients. All you need is two bowls – one for the oat mixture and another for the chocolate tahini centre. It’s literally a case of mixing stuff in a bowl and refrigerating it to set.  It’s a real fail proof recipe that anyone can make. Even those with zero cooking and/or dessert making experience. It’s also a fun one to get the kids involved with.

Unlike your typical Oatmeal Fudge Bars recipe, this is made entirely without the white sugar, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and butter!  So go ahead, have another slice.

And…if you need an excuse to make these delish bars, let me help you.

You are in love with fudgy and chocolatey desserts.
You had a bad day and are looking for some comfort.
You had a good day and want to make it great.
You have friends coming over.
You need a fun creative activity for date night or for the kiddos.
You are going to a get together and need a crowd-pleaser.

These buttery fudgy no bake protein bars have become a favorite at our house. They are easy to make, freeze well and are irresistible to adults and children alike.

Chocolate Oat Crumble Protein Bars

These chewy ,chocolatey no-bake oat crumble protein bars are a delicious treat made with wholesome ingredients. Think: sweet and salty base, gorgeous decadent, fudgy middle and a delicious crumble topping. Perfect for an energy boost, dessert, or lunchbox snack.

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocolate oat crumble protein bars, chocolate oat protein bars no bake, clean eating dessert or snack, healthy oat crumble protein bars, no bake chocolate oat crumble ptotein bars

Servings 16

Ingredients

Base Crust

• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup walnut pieces
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste), well stirred (or any nut butter)
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Fudge Layer

• 3 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup canned coconut milk or cream

Instructions

Base Crust

• Line an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

  In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, coconut, tahini, protein powder, melted coconut oil, honey and vanilla extract.  Mix until thoroughly combined

  Fold in the walnuts pieces. Reserve 1⅓ cups of the mixture into a small bowl.

  Scoop out the remaining base mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.  

Chocolate Fudge Layer

• In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and microwave at 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips.

  Once melted, whisk in the coconut milk. Mixture should thicken and turn into a smooth ganache.  Spread the mixture over the base and spread out evenly and smoothly.

  Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat crumbles on top of the chocolate layer, and press down firmly with a fork or spoon.

  Refrigerate or freeze the slice until firm enough to cut into 16 (or more smaller) squares.

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

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