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Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

5 from 146 reviews

These chewy oatmeal raisin bars are a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack made with ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty rolled oats. Packed with cinnamon, nuts, and juicy raisins, they offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for a quick breakfast, lunchbox treat, or post-workout snack, these bars are easy to prepare and bake in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 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

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups rolled oats (for fine texture, use quick-cooking oats)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Add-ins

  • ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup raisins (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the bars evenly.
  2. Prepare Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal after baking.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup until smooth and well integrated.
  4. 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.
  5. Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  6. Press Batter: Use a spatula to press down the batter, making sure it is evenly distributed and the corners are filled properly.
  7. Top with Raisins: Sprinkle the reserved handful of raisins on top for added texture and sweetness.
  8. Bake Bars: 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.
  9. 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.

Keywords: chewy oatmeal raisin bars, banana oat bars, peanut butter bars, healthy snack, baked oat bars, vegan snack bars, homemade granola bars