Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars

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There’s something comforting about the flavor of classic oatmeal raisin treats, and these Oatmeal Raisin Bars deliver that same cozy taste in an easy, sliceable form. Soft, chewy, and lightly spiced, they’re perfect when you want a homemade dessert without the fuss of scooping individual cookies.

A knife rests beside six cut cinnamon raisin oatmeal bars.

I love baking these bars when I need something dependable, whether it’s for lunchboxes, casual gatherings, or a simple afternoon treat. Made with pantry staples and no complicated steps, this oatmeal raisin bar recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

If you enjoy oatmeal recipes, check out these recipes: Easy Baked Chocolate Oatmeal, Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups, Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and chewy texture with just the right amount of sweetness
Easy to make. No mixer or chilling required
Great for make-ahead baking and meal prep
Family-friendly flavor everyone recognizes and loves
Perfect for slicing and sharing

Ingredients For Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Ingredients needed for cinnamon raisin oatmeal breakfast bars.

Oats: You can use rolled oats or for a finer texture, use quick-cooking oats.
Bananas: You’ll need about 3 large ripe bananas for this recipe.
Peanut butter and maple syrup: Creamy peanut butter (or almond or cashew butter, if you prefer) and maple syrup help the oats bind together into the breakfast bars.
Cinnamon and salt: These flavor the oats and give them that oatmeal cookie taste.
Chopped nuts and raisins: Chopped pecans or walnuts and raisins give these extra texture and nutrition.

How To Make Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Cinnamon raisin oatmeal bar ingredients in a clear glass bowl. — **Step 1:** **Mix Ingredients together.** Combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter and maple syrup with oats, seasonings, raising and nuts.

Oatmeal bars topped with raisins in a pan. — **Step 2:** **Line a 8×8-inch baking** pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Top with some raisins.

Cinnamon raisin oatmeal squares arranged on parchment paper. — **Step 3:** Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Bake for **22–26 minutes**, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Pro Tips, Variations & Common Mistakes

Pro Tips

Slightly underbake for softer bars
Let bars cool fully before cutting
Use parchment paper for easy removal

Flavor Variations

Drizzle with vanilla glaze
Replace raisins with chocolate chips
Spice it up. Add nutmeg
Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecan

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using instant oats
Overbaking (leads to dry bars)
Packing flour too tightly

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store oatmeal raisin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freeze sliced bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.

Two cinnamon raisin oatmeal bars in a stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep this baked oatmeal soft and chewy?

Avoid overbaking! Keep a close eye on them while baking and remove once the edges turn golden brown for a soft and chewy texture.

Can I make oatmeal raisin bars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re perfect for making 1-2 days ahead.

Why are my oatmeal bars crumbly?

Too much flour or overbaking can cause this.

Cur cinnamon raisin oatmeal breakfast bars.

More Oatmeal Recipes

If you love classic, comforting desserts, these oatmeal raisin bars are a must-try. They’re simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing or keeping on hand for easy snacking throughout the week.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment and rate the recipe! Also follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook |Instagram |Pinterest for all of my latest social posts and recipes.

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Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

These soft and chewy oatmeal raisin bars are made with simple pantry ingredients and come together easily. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or an easy homemade dessert.

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 30

Servings: bars

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups rolled oats, for fine texture inside use quick-cooking oats
▢ 1 ½ cup mashed ripe bananas, about 3 large bananas
▢ 1 cup creamy peanut butter, can use almond or cashew butter
▢ ⅓ cup maple syrup
▢ 1 tsp cinnamon
▢ ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
▢ 1 cup raisin, reserve a handful to sprinkle on top
▢ pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl mix mashed bananas, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
Ad the rolled oats add salt, cinnamon, nuts, raisins, and mix to incorporate. Mix everything nicely.
Transfer the batter to a lined 8×8 baking dish lined with parchmen paper.
Press down the top with a spatula, making sure the corners are as equally filled.
Sprinkle the top with reserved raisins.
Bake for 22–26 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
Don’t overbake or the bars will turn out dry. Let cool and then cut into 12 square bars. Serve warm or cooled.

Notes

Don’t overbake to keep the bars soft and chewy.
Allow the parchment to slightly overhang the pan so you can easily remove the bars from the pan after baking.
Wrap bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months