Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a snack that’s both satisfying and wholesome, you’ve got to try my Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe. These bars hit that perfect spot between soft and chewy, bursting with warm cinnamon and sweet banana flavors—and they’re just packed with good-for-you ingredients. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be reaching for them again and again, whether it’s for breakfast on-the-go or a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe is how the ingredients just come together perfectly — the rolled oats give texture and heartiness, while the bananas and peanut butter create a moist, chewy base that holds everything beautifully.

• Rolled oats: I prefer rolled oats over steel-cut here because they soak up moisture and give that classic chewy feel; quick-cooking oats work great if you want an even finer texture inside.
• Ripe bananas: Make sure they’re really ripe with lots of brown spots—more sweetness and moisture!
• Creamy peanut butter: Smooth is best for mixing, but almond or cashew butter add a nice twist if you want to switch things up.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that keeps these bars from being too sugary but perfectly sweet and sticky.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that just makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A bit of crunch and nuttiness that balances the chewiness perfectly.
• Raisins: Sweet little pockets of flavor—reserve a handful to sprinkle on top for some eye appeal and bursts of sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the sweetness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe is because you can easily swap out nuts, sweeteners, or even add-ins to fit your taste or dietary needs. Making it your own is part of the fun!

• Add-ins: I’ve thrown in chocolate chips or shredded coconut for a tropical or indulgent twist that my family loved at parties.
• Nut-free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make this allergy-friendly without losing that creamy texture.
• Extra spice: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger gives a cozy fall vibe if you’re making these during the holidays.
• Seed boost: Toss in chia or flax seeds for added nutrition and a slight crunch.

How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out your oats, chopping nuts if needed, and mashing those ripe bananas until nice and smooth. I always find that using a fork is quick and gets a great texture without making a mess in the mixer.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, creamy peanut butter, and maple syrup. Mixing these first helps the oats absorb the moisture evenly later. You’ll notice this mixture is wonderfully sticky—this is what keeps our bars nice and chewy!

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients & Mix

Now, stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, chopped nuts, raisins (except the reserved ones for topping), and a pinch of salt. I like to fold everything gently but thoroughly so those oats don’t get too smashed, keeping that great texture intact.

Step 4: Press & Prepare to Bake

Line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper, making sure you have an overhang on the sides—it helps you lift the bars out easily once baked. Press the bar mixture evenly into the pan, paying close attention to filling those corners. A spatula works perfectly for this step.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the reserved raisins on top for a pretty finish, then pop the pan into a 350°F oven. Bake for 22–26 minutes until the edges are set, but the center stays nicely chewy. Be careful not to overbake—this is key to keeping them soft inside. I often start checking at 22 minutes and test with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean but with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool, Cut, and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your bars cool completely in the pan (usually 30 minutes or so), then use those parchment edges to lift them out. Cut into 12 squares and enjoy warm or at room temp. I personally love them slightly warm—that melty peanut butter and raisin burst is unbeatable!

How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and sprinkle extra raisins on top before baking, but sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate afterward adds some fun without overwhelming the bars’ natural flavors.

Side Dishes

Pairing these bars with a cup of hot coffee or an herbal tea makes for a perfect midday pick-me-up. If you’re serving brunch, they’re delightful alongside creamy yogurt or fresh fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to cut these bars into bite-sized nuggets and stack them on a pretty platter with small bowls of nut butter for dipping. They also make fantastic homemade gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with twine—it’s such a warm treat to give!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They stay soft and chewy, but after a couple of days, I find placing them in the fridge can keep them fresh longer if your kitchen is warm.

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully with this recipe! I wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then stash them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. They thaw quickly at room temp and taste just as fresh and chewy as the day I baked them.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warmed through. This revives the gooey peanut butter and makes the oats lovely and soft again, almost like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe brings together simple pantry ingredients into a snack that feels homemade and comforting every single time. When I first tried this recipe, I didn’t expect it to turn out so moist and satisfying, but now it’s a go-to for my family’s lunchboxes and my mid-afternoon cravings alike. Give it a try—you’ll find these bars wonderfully chewy, naturally sweet, and totally irresistible. Plus, they’re a little hug in a square, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

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