These Oatmeal Raisin Bars are a wholesome, naturally sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or on-the-go energy.
Packed with fiber-rich oats, plant-based protein from almond butter, and potassium from ripe bananas, they provide sustained energy without refined sugar.
Easy to make in just 20 minutes, they’re a quick, satisfying, and nutritious option for busy mornings, meal prep, or a guilt-free sweet craving.
Cinnamon Raisin Oat Bars
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup almond butter or smooth peanut/sunflower butter
- 6 –7 medium ripe bananas mashed (≈2 cups)
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal baking temperature. While the oven warms up, line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends slightly over the edges. This will help you lift the bars easily after baking and prevent sticking. Set the lined pan aside while you prepare the batter.
- Mash the Bananas: Peel 6–7 medium ripe bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them thoroughly until smooth and creamy, with no large lumps remaining. Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, which adds natural sweetness and moisture to the bars, replacing the need for refined sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add 1 cup of almond butter and 1/2 cup of maple syrup. Stir well using a spatula or large spoon until the mixture is fully combined. The almond butter adds creamy texture and plant-based protein, while the maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness. Make sure the mixture is smooth and uniform before moving to the next step.
- Incorporate the Oats: Gradually fold in 4 cups of rolled oats to the banana and almond butter mixture. Use a gentle folding motion to evenly distribute the oats without overmixing. The oats provide structure, fiber, and heartiness to the bars, giving them that satisfying chewy texture. If the batter seems too wet, add a little extra oats until it holds together nicely.
- Add Raisins: Measure 1 cup of raisins and fold them into the mixture, reserving a small handful for topping. Raisins add bursts of natural sweetness, chewiness, and a boost of iron and potassium. Stir carefully to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every bar gets a sweet, fruity bite.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Spoon the prepared batter into the lined 8×8-inch pan. Use the spatula to spread it evenly, pressing it gently to ensure there are no air pockets and the surface is level. Sprinkle the reserved raisins evenly on top for a decorative and flavorful finish.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the edges look set. Keep a close eye in the last few minutes, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. Avoid overbaking to ensure the bars stay soft and chewy.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Cooling is essential for the bars to firm up and make slicing easier. If you try to cut them while warm, they may crumble or fall apart.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Place them on a cutting board and slice into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. Enjoy immediately as a snack or breakfast, or store for later.
- Storage and Tips: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze them for up to 6 months. These bars are perfect for meal prep, quick on-the-go snacks, or as a nutritious addition to lunchboxes.
Notes
- Nut Butter Options: Almond butter can be swapped with peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini for different flavors.
- Banana Ripeness: Use fully ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture; under-ripe bananas can make the bars dense.
- Adjusting Batter Texture: If the mixture is too thin, add extra oats gradually until it holds together.
- Raisin Placement: Reserve a few raisins to sprinkle on top for visual appeal and extra chew.
- Baking Tip: Avoid overbaking to maintain soft, chewy texture—tops should be lightly golden when done.
- Pan Preparation: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Flavor Boost: Optional—lightly toast the oats before mixing to add a subtle nutty flavor.
- Storage Reminder: Refrigerate or freeze bars promptly to maintain freshness and texture.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Bars
The secret to achieving soft, chewy oatmeal raisin bars lies in balancing moisture and texture.
Always use fully ripe bananas, as they are naturally sweeter and softer, ensuring the bars are tender.
Don’t overbake; 15 minutes at 350°F is usually enough.
Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing ensures they hold their shape.
For an extra flavor boost, consider lightly toasting the oats before mixing—they add a subtle nuttiness.
Using parchment paper is another small but essential trick for easy removal and clean slicing.
Serving Suggestions For Maximum Enjoyment
These bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
Serve them as a quick breakfast with a drizzle of nut butter or alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a wholesome snack.
They also pair beautifully with yogurt or a fruit smoothie for a balanced morning meal.
For a little indulgence, warm the bars slightly and top with a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and texture.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Proper storage is key to maintaining the soft, chewy texture of these bars.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to six months—individually wrap the bars or place parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking.
Thaw frozen bars at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a freshly baked feel.
Avoid storing at room temperature for more than a day or two, as the moisture from the bananas can cause them to become too soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes! You can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup.
Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners affect texture slightly; use the same volume for similar results.
2. Are these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. Regular oats may contain trace gluten due to processing.
3. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, simply replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. Both provide healthy fats and maintain a similar texture.
4. How can I make the bars chewier?
For extra chewiness, slightly underbake them by 1–2 minutes and ensure the batter is well-moist. Adding a few extra mashed bananas can also enhance chewiness.
5. Can I add extras like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or shredded coconut can be folded into the batter.
Just adjust quantities slightly to avoid making the batter too dry or wet.
