Hearty Homemade Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of raisins

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the oat mixture to the butter mixture, beating until just combined.
  6. Stir in the raisins.
  7. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - You will need a medium mixing bowl and a large mixing bowl to prepare the ingredients.
  • Electric mixer - An electric mixer will help you beat the butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla extract together until creamy.
  • 9-inch square baking pan - This baking pan will be used to bake the oatmeal raisin bars. You can also use parchment paper to line the pan.
  • Wire rack - A wire rack is essential for cooling the bars after they are baked.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - You will need measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Spatula - A spatula will come in handy for scraping the sides of the mixing bowl and spreading the batter into the baking pan.
  • Toothpick - You will need a toothpick to test the doneness of the bars by inserting it into the center.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
  • Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different dried fruit option.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Create a different crust by using crushed graham crackers or crushed cookies instead of oats.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.
  • Add a layer of chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking for a decadent twist.
  • Incorporate shredded coconut or chopped dried pineapple for a tropical twist.
  • Sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top of the bars before baking for a sweet and crunchy topping.

Recipe overview

These delicious Oatmeal Raisin Bars are perfect for a sweet treat or a quick breakfast. They're filled with wholesome oats and sweet raisins, and have a delicate balance of sweetness and heartiness that will keep you coming back for more. This recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Expect a soft, moist bar with a warm, comforting flavor. The recipe takes approximately 30-40 minutes from start to finish, including baking time. Enjoy these bars with a cup of tea or coffee, pack them for a snack, or serve them as a dessert. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, you'll find this recipe easy to follow with delicious results.

Common questions

  1. Can I use instant oats instead of old-fashioned oats? Yes, you can substitute instant oats for old-fashioned oats in this recipe.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. However, note that the texture and taste of the bars may be slightly different.
  3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. Just keep in mind that the bars may have a slightly saltier taste.
  4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe? Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the amounts accordingly.
  5. How should I store the oatmeal raisin bars? Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
  6. Can I freeze the oatmeal raisin bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A medium-sized bowl for combining dry ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
  • Electric Mixer - Helps beat the butter, sugars, egg, and vanilla until creamy.
  • Rubber Spatula - Useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
  • 9-inch Square Baking Pan - The ideal pan size for baking the oatmeal raisin bars.
  • Parchment Paper - Optional, but can be used to line the baking pan for easy removal of the bars.
  • Wire Rack - Used for cooling the bars after baking.
  • Knife - For cutting the cooled bars into squares.

Origin stories

Oatmeal Raisin Bars, delightful treats filled with fibrous oats and sweet raisins, are a bit of a mystery when it comes to their exact origins. However, oats have been a staple in the Scottish diet for centuries due to the country's favorable growing conditions. It's not far-fetched to imagine that Scots, known for their practicality and creativity in the kitchen, might have combined oats with raisins, another commonly available ingredient, to create a simple yet satisfying dish. But the transformation of this concept into the modern form we know today—sweet, dense, and perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack—likely occurred in the United States. Here, the culinary tradition of quick, easy, and portable foods combined with the nutritional appeal of oats and raisins to give birth to the Oatmeal Raisin Bar. So, while enjoying one, you can imagine yourself partaking in a culinary tradition that spans the Atlantic, from the rolling oat fields of Scotland to the bustling, innovative kitchens of America.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.