Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Snack Cake (made with oat flour)

This Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Snack Cake is an easy after school snack that’s every bit delicious as it is nutritious! Made with whole grain oat flour, and in one bowl, this low sugar snack tastes just like cake with a healthier twist! Yes, my kids eat it for breakfast!

Nut Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free

I don’t usually test recipes THIS much, but this chocolate chip snack cake has been flying out of my house lately… and it’s just so good, so I keep remaking it for the sake of “recipe testing!”

But really, this tried and true recipe is for a delicious, crumbly chocolate chip “snack cake” that will actually ADD nutrition to your day.

My kids are PICKY eaters. It breaks my dietitian heart that even though I do the “right” feeding things for my kids, they just aren’t the best when it comes to trying new foods. Especially my daughter.

But also as a dietitian I don’t want to hide ingredients from my kids.

I think that backfires long-term because when they figure you out, it breaks their trust. So one day, my daughter Sage and I set out to make muffins (inspired by this recipe) and it turned into this Chocolate Chip Snack Cake and she happily couldn’t wait to try a piece, even though it had applesauce and oats – two foods she’ll NEVER touch if I just gave them to her.

I knew I had to share this Chocolate Chip Snack Cake because it’s the perfect after school snack, and…

• Easy to make in 1 bowl
• Made with ingredients you likely have at home
• Made with just 9 ingredients
• Allergy friendly – egg free, nut free, gluten free, dairy free!
• Great to make ahead for the week (but it will likely only last a few days!)

While this recipe does contain some added sugar (in the form of white sugar and chocolate chips), it’s much more nutritious than many similar recipes and snacks, so you can feel good knowing your kids are filling up after school.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Snack Cake

You only need 9 ingredients to make this Chocolate Chip Snack Cake, including:

1. Unsweetened applesauce adds so much moisture to this recipe, without weighing it down. You really don’t taste the applesauce at all in the finished product.
2. Non-dairy milk alternative or milk also adds moisture to this recipe.
3. Avocado oil, or another mild-tasting oil, adds heart-healthy fats and good texture to this recipe. I love this one from NOW Foods (client of mine) that you can order with 20% off using the code CHELSEY.
4. White sugar sweetens this recipe. I have no problem using a little bit of white sugar, especially in baked goods that also contain nourishing ingredients, like oat flour and unsweetened applesauce and heart-healthy fats, like avocado oil.
5. Vanilla extract adds another layer of flavor.
6. Oat flour is a whole grain flour, made from rolled oats, used in this recipe. See the note below for how to make your own oat flour.
7. Cinnamon adds additional flavor and antioxidants to this recipe.
8. Baking soda is the leavener used in this recipe.
9. Mini chocolate chips measured with the heart, because CHOCOLATE! I use these allergy-friendly ones from Enjoy Life.

How to Make Your Own Oat Flour

Oat flour is a favorite flour of mine to use while baking because you can make it yourself at home using rolled oats (and obvs I have rolled oats on my Subscribe & Save!).

To make, fill a Vitamix, Ninja, or other high-powered food processor or blender with rolled oats and pulse until a fine flour consistency forms. It literally takes 30 seconds in the Vitamix.

Store in an airtight container for future use.

Other Recipes Using Oat Flour:

• Double Chocolate Oat Flour Cookies
• Oat Flour Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
• Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Oat Flour Cranberry Bread

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need to Make This Chocolate Chip Snack Cake

You only need a few tools to make this recipe, including:

• Vitamix or other high-powered blender or food processor
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8 x 8 glass baking dish

You can check out all of my cookware & bakeware in my Amazon storefront!

How to Make This Chocolate Chip Snack Cake

This recipe could not be easier to make!

First, make your oat flour as described above. I like to make a big batch at once to store in an airtight container for future use.

Next, combine all ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a large bowl and mix together. Then fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into an 8×8 baking dish that’s sprayed with oil spray or use parchment paper. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top, if desired, and BAKE!!!

Yes, it’s that easy!

THE RESULT: A fluffy and perfectly crumbly snack cake that’s super delicious, made with 100% whole grains and lower in sugar than most kid snacks!

How to Make this Snack Cake a Balanced Snack

Simply – this is predominantly carbs (the high fiber kind!), so it’s great to pair with a protein and/or fat source. Some of my favorite combos are…

• With a glass of milk
• In a yogurt bowl
• With nut/seed butter

Want more balanced snack ideas?

Get my FREE Hack Your Snack Guide!

Print

Don’t Forget to PIN this Gluten Free Snack Cake Recipe