Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

This hearty oatmeal raisin cookie bar recipe transforms a classic cookie into an irresistible, frosted treat that will fill your home with the most comforting aromas. With a perfect balance of chewy texture, warm spices, and sweet indulgence from the maple-cinnamon frosting, these bars are destined to become your new go-to dessert for any occasion.

I first created these bars when hosting a family gathering during a rainy weekend, and they disappeared faster than any other dessert I've ever served. My nephew, who typically avoids raisins at all costs, asked for seconds and then begged his mom for the recipe.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure while keeping the bars tender
• Baking soda: Ensures the right amount of lift for a texture between cake and cookie
• Ground cinnamon: Adds that essential warm spice that pairs perfectly with oats
• Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors
• Unsalted butter: At room temperature creates unmatched richness and proper creaming
• Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and necessary moisture for chewy texture
• Large eggs: At room temperature bind everything together and provide structure
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its warm aromatic profile
• Quick cooking oats: Give the perfect chewy texture without being too hearty
• Raisins: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and that classic flavor
• Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth luxurious frosting texture
• Maple syrup: Adds depth and complexity to the frosting
• Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting consistency for perfect spreadability
• Maple extract: Intensifies the maple flavor if you want a more pronounced taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F then grease a 9×9 inch pan thoroughly. Line with parchment paper leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal later. The parchment is crucial for preventing sticking and making clean slices.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. This even distribution ensures consistent flavor and proper leavening throughout your bars. Do not skip this step as it prevents clumps of baking soda or cinnamon.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

Beat butter and brown sugar together for a full 2 to 3 minutes until noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This incorporates air into the mixture which creates perfect texture. Stop and scrape the bowl at least once during mixing to ensure even incorporation.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Add eggs one at a time, beating for about 30 seconds after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract until just combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled this is normal and will smooth out when the dry ingredients are added.

Combine Ingredients:

Add the dry ingredient mixture gradually to the wet ingredients in three additions, mixing on low speed just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing will develop gluten and create tough bars. Fold in oats and raisins with a rubber spatula using gentle strokes just until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake:

Transfer the thick batter to your prepared pan and spread evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, pressing slightly into corners. Sprinkle a few extra raisins on top for visual appeal. Bake until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 18 to 20 minutes.

Cool:

Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes initially. This sets the structure while making them easier to handle. Then lift the entire slab out using the parchment paper overhangs and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Complete cooling prevents the frosting from melting when applied.

Make the Frosting:

Beat room temperature butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar in three additions, beating well after each. Pour in maple syrup, heavy cream, cinnamon, and optional maple extract. Beat on medium high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. The frosting should hold soft peaks and spread easily.

Frost and Slice:

Apply the frosting in an even layer over the completely cooled bars using an offset spatula. For cleanest cuts, refrigerate the frosted bars for 15 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for professional looking squares.

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The cinnamon in this recipe is what truly makes these bars special. I discovered the importance of quality cinnamon when my grandmother gifted me a jar of Ceylon cinnamon she brought back from her travels. The difference in flavor was remarkable just like her stories of standing in the spice markets surrounded by the intoxicating aromas of fresh cinnamon bark being ground right before her eyes.

Make Ahead and Storage

These bars actually improve with a little time, as the flavors meld and deepen overnight. Store unfrosted bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Once frosted, they should be refrigerated and will keep well for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience. For longer storage, cut into individual squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Perfect Substitutions

If raisins aren't your favorite, dried cranberries make an excellent substitution with their tart-sweet flavor profile. For a more decadent version, add 3/4 cup white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the batter. Old-fashioned rolled oats can replace quick oats if that's what you have on hand they'll just provide a slightly heartier texture. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut oil for butter in the bars and use a plant-based butter for the frosting.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are wonderful on their own with a glass of milk or cup of coffee, but they truly shine when served slightly warm with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For brunch, skip the frosting and serve them alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. During fall gatherings, these make the perfect complement to spiced apple cider. For an extra special touch, drizzle each serving with a bit of warm salted caramel sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes these oatmeal raisin bars moist?

The use of butter, brown sugar, and eggs ensures the bars stay soft and chewy, while the oats add natural moisture to the texture.

→ Can I substitute the raisins?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week to keep the frosting fresh.

→ Can I make these bars nut-free?

Absolutely! This recipe does not include nuts, but always check ingredient labels if someone has severe allergies.

→ Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick ones?

While quick oats give the best texture, you can substitute old-fashioned oats, but the bars may be slightly denser.