Description
These Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars are a wholesome, delicious treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Made with mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup, combined with oats, nuts, and raisins, they offer a naturally sweet and satisfying texture. Baked to perfection, these bars are easy to prepare and provide a nutritious alternative to traditional sugary bars.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups rolled oats (for fine texture, use quick-cooking oats)
- 1 ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 large bananas)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (can substitute almond or cashew butter)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup raisins (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars evenly.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth and well integrated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, salt, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins into the wet mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to form a consistent batter.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Press Batter: Use a spatula to press down the batter, making sure it is evenly distributed and the corners are filled properly.
- Top with Raisins: Sprinkle the reserved handful of raisins on top for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool before cutting into 12 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- 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 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
