Cinnamon Raisin Oat Bars
These Oatmeal Raisin Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, made with just five wholesome ingredients. High in fiber and plant-based protein, they make a quick breakfast, nutritious snack, or meal-prep-friendly treat that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 8x8-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 8x8-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 8x8-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.
