Looking for a delicious treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion? These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars are just what you need! Packed with flavor and chewy goodness, they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of oats, bananas, peanut butter, and raisins creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple steps, you can have these bars ready to bake in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These bars are a great snack to have on hand for a quick and satisfying treat throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Rolled oats: For a fine texture, use quick-cooking oats.
- Mashed ripe bananas: Adds sweetness and moisture to the bars.
- Creamy peanut butter: Can be substituted with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor.
- Maple syrup: Provides sweetness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness to the bars.
- Raisins: Adds a natural sweetness and chewiness to the bars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to °F (°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars evenly.
- Line an ×inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth and well integrated.
- Add the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins into the wet mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to form a consistent batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Use a spatula to press down the batter, making sure it is evenly distributed and the corners are filled properly.
- Sprinkle the reserved handful of raisins on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for –minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- Allow the bars to cool before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips:
- Do not overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
- Allow the parchment paper to overhang the pan edges for easy removal.
- Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag; freeze for up to months.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For added flavor, sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top before baking.
- Try adding a handful of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Experiment with different nut butters for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. Serve them as a snack or dessert for a satisfying treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
- Yes, you can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture of the bars may be slightly different.
- Can I omit the nuts in this recipe?
- Absolutely! Feel free to leave out the nuts or substitute them with seeds or dried fruit.
- Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
- Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
Conclusion:
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars are a delightful treat that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors and chewy texture of these bars. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how much you loved them!
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Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars are a delicious and wholesome snack or breakfast option. Packed with oats, bananas, peanut butter, and raisins, these bars are easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats (quick-cooking oats for fine texture)
- 1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup raisins (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare baking pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Mix wet ingredients: Combine bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, salt, cinnamon, nuts, and raisins.
- Bake: Spread batter in pan, sprinkle raisins on top, and bake for 22-26 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let bars cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Avoid overbaking for soft and chewy bars.
- Wrap bars individually for easy freezing up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
