These oatmeal raisin bars are a delightful treat that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the natural sweetness of raisins. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla add a comforting touch to every bite.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually bake, you might need to pick up old-fashioned oats and raisins at the supermarket. Make sure to get old-fashioned oats rather than quick oats for the best texture. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh to ensure the bars rise properly.
Ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the bars.
Brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the texture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure.
Baking soda: Helps the bars rise and become light and fluffy.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy flavor that complements the oats and raisins.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Old-fashioned oats: Provide a chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
Raisins: Add natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
Technique Tip for Making These Bars
When creaming together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures a smooth and fluffy mixture, which is crucial for the texture of the oatmeal raisin bars. If the butter is too cold, it won't incorporate well with the sugars, leading to a dense and uneven batter.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, with a slight coconut flavor that complements the sweetness of the bars.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar caramel-like flavor and can be used in equal amounts.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the texture.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the bars denser.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of baking soda, but note that this may slightly change the texture.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can replace cinnamon, though it is slightly stronger, so use less.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quick oats: Quick oats have a finer texture and will cook faster, but can be used in the same quantity.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add a tart flavor and chewy texture, making them a good alternative to raisins.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store and Freeze Your Bars
- Allow the oatmeal raisin bars to cool completely in the pan. This ensures they firm up properly and are easier to handle.
- Once cooled, cut the bars into your desired size. A sharp knife will give you clean edges, making them look as good as they taste.
- For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If you prefer to refrigerate, the bars can last up to 10 days. Again, use an airtight container and layer with parchment paper.
- To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. This helps maintain their texture and flavor.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour. For a quicker option, microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds.
- For an extra treat, warm the bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will give them a freshly-baked taste and aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the oatmeal raisin bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the bars' chewy texture and ensures even heating.
Microwave Method: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the temperature and heat in additional 10-second intervals if needed. This is a quick method but be cautious not to overheat, as it can make the bars tough.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook. This method is great for reheating a small batch while keeping the edges slightly crispy.
Stovetop Method: If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, you can reheat the bars on a stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method adds a delightful crunch to the edges.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through. This method is efficient and gives the bars a nice, slightly crispy texture without drying them out.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the oatmeal raisin bars at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
9x13 inch baking pan: The pan where the dough will be pressed into and baked.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine and mix the ingredients together.
Hand mixer: Useful for creaming together the butter and sugars until smooth.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring out the butter, sugars, flour, oats, and raisins.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring in the oats and raisins into the dough.
Cooling rack: Allows the baked bars to cool evenly in the pan before cutting.
Knife: Used to cut the cooled bars into individual servings.
Non-stick spray: To grease the baking pan and prevent the bars from sticking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the cooking process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly and efficiently cream the butter and sugars, saving you time and effort.
Soften butter quickly: If you forgot to soften the butter, cut it into small pieces and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and less cleanup.
Batch bake: Double the recipe and freeze extra bars for a quick snack later.
Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- ½ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 3 cups Old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup Raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended.
- Mix in the oats and raisins.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are golden.
- Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
Check out these recipes too!
- Mixed Berry Crostata Recipe1 Hours
- Maple Pecan Cheesecake Bars Recipe1 Hours 5 Minutes
- Maple Pecan Cheesecake Recipe1 Hours 20 Minutes
- Maple Bacon Cupcakes Recipe40 Minutes
- Mango Lime Tart Recipe50 Minutes
- Mango Coconut Parfait Recipe10 Minutes
- Mango Coconut Cheesecake Cups Recipe20 Minutes
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bars Recipe40 Minutes
- Irish Cream Brownies Recipe45 Minutes
- Hazelnut Brownies Recipe45 Minutes
- Grilled Pineapple Recipe20 Minutes
- Fruit and Nut Chocolate Bark Recipe15 Minutes
Leave a Reply