These healthy honey chocolate cake bars are a delicious and wholesome way to get your chocolate fix! Made with oat flour, coconut oil, and a touch of honey.
I've made this recipe many times, so I'm not sure why I haven't posted it before now!
I actually have quite a few recipes in the Oatmeal with a Fork queue, some tested and ready to be posted, others in mid-completion. It's been tough to do a lot of blog work lately, as real life has taken precedence.
In addition to our new baby next month, my husband got hurt at work a couple of months ago. He landed in the hospital for about a week, and the surrounding circumstances have been a bit taxing.
I'm looking forward to the end of the year when (hopefully) all will be more settled!
These are a great, healthy treat when I need a chocolate fix and a boost of good energy, which seems to be daily. They're (obviously) made with honey, and this flavor shines through, which my family all enjoy.
Though the recipe only calls for one (heaping) tablespoon of honey, I don't find any added stevia necessary, especially if they're topped with some good dark chocolate.
The base of these chocolate cake bars, like so many of my recipes, is oat flour. I freshly grind my flour from rolled oats, which helps save some money.
Additions of coconut oil, applesauce, and a good glug of vanilla round out the flavors, making for a delicious little treat that you won't feel bad about.
Recipe notes
I like using my Homemade Coconut Milk in this recipe.
Though a bit pricey, I really enjoy using Manuka honey in these bars! It seems to agree with me better and has some pretty great medicinal properties.
Healthy Honey Chocolate Cake Bars
Ingredients
DRY INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup oat flour
- 4 Tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
WET INGREDIENTS:
- ⅔ cup applesauce
- 1 (heaping) Tbsp coconut oil semi-solid
- 1 (heaping) Tbsp honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp milk of your choice
- ¼ - ⅓ cup chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a well-oiled 8 x 8 inch baking dish.
- Top with chocolate, if desired.
- Bake 12-16 minutes or until top is springy. Don't overbake them or they will be dry!
- Cool before cutting, as this helps them hold together better.
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
Tara
Can I use a replacement milk such as oatmilk?
Lauren
Yes, that should be fine.
Crystal
This is fantastic. I have already made it multiple times while trying to loose weight! Thank you for this great recipe 🙂
Colette
Considering how low sugar and simple ingredient this recipe is, it's actually to die for. Thanks a lot! I will be re-making this for sure.
Lauren
Thanks, Colette! So happy you enjoyed this!
Jeanie
Hi,
Is there something I can substitute the applesauce with?
Thank you for the recipe!
Lauren
Mashed banana would probably work!
Lyf
Maybe I missed the announcement post but you really kept baby number 4 under wraps. How exciting, I wish you all the best. Cake looks delicious by the way
Lauren
Thanks, Lyf! She's coming next month! 🙂
Patricia
YUM!! 🙂