These chewy oatmeal raisin bars are the perfect combination of hearty oats, sweet raisins, and a warm cinnamon flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a healthy treat to take on the go, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings. Their chewy texture makes them incredibly satisfying, while the oats provide a nourishing boost of fiber. These homemade bars are easy to make and perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy a wholesome bite anytime!
Key Information
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Number of Servings: 12 bars
- Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g (natural sugars from raisins and honey)
Ingredients List
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120g) unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup (60g) honey or maple syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (135g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (120g) whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ tsp (2g) baking soda
- 1 tsp (5g) ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp (1g) salt
Add-ins:
- ½ cup (75g) raisins
- ¼ cup (30g) chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, honey (or maple syrup), egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will help keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Fold in the Raisins and Nuts: Gently fold in the raisins and chopped nuts, if using.
- Bake the Bars: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into 12 bars.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these chewy oatmeal raisin bars as a snack, breakfast, or dessert!
Tips for Culinary Success
- Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, simply use a dairy-free substitute for the butter (like coconut oil) and check that your oats and sweeteners are certified dairy-free.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet snack, you can reduce the sweetener by a tablespoon or two.
- Boost the Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder to the mixture for an extra protein boost, making these bars even more filling and satisfying.
- Storage Tips: These oatmeal raisin bars stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container. You can also store them in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a small handful of coconut flakes to the dough for an added depth of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I substitute the raisins with other dried fruit?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits like dried cranberries, cherries, or chopped dried apricots. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and flavor profile may vary depending on the fruit.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by substituting the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I freeze these oatmeal raisin bars?
A: Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
A: Yes, adding chocolate chips can give these bars a delightful sweetness. You can stir in ¼ to ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or regular-sized ones. Just be sure to balance the sweetness if you do!
These chewy oatmeal raisin bars are the perfect healthy snack to have on hand for any time of day. Packed with fiber-rich oats, naturally sweet raisins, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re as satisfying as they are nutritious. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an after-school treat, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these bars are guaranteed to hit the spot. Try them today and enjoy a wholesome, homemade snack you’ll love!
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