Name: Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups rolled oats (for fine texture, use quick-cooking oats); 1 tsp cinnamon; ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 cup raisins (reserve a handful to sprinkle on top); Pinch of salt; 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

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that’s hearty, satisfying, and just the right level of sweet, my Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe is going to be your new best friend. These bars hit that perfect balance between chewiness and flavor, with the wholesome goodness of oats and the natural sweetness from bananas and raisins. I love how they double as a wholesome snack or a comforting treat when you need a little pick-me-up.

What makes this Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe so special is how quick it comes together—perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings. Plus, you don’t need to pull out a mixer, and the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and pantry-friendly. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for these bars over boring cookies every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role to create that chewy, comforting texture and flavor. Using ripe bananas adds natural moisture and sweetness without needing extra sugar, while peanut butter brings a creamy richness that holds everything together. When you shop, try to grab good-quality nut butter and oats for the best texture and taste.

Rolled oats: I love using quick-cooking oats here for finer texture, but rolled oats also add great chewiness.
Mashed ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They act as a natural sweetener and binder without added sugars.
Creamy peanut butter: It creates that luscious texture. You can swap almond or cashew butter for a twist.
Maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness that melds everything together nicely.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a subtle hint of spice to brighten the flavors.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: They add a delightful crunch that contrasts the chewiness of the bars.
Raisins: Both folded in and sprinkled on top for bursts of sweetness and chew.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Variations

I love making these bars my own depending on what I have at home or my mood. Feel free to tweak the nuts, swap raisins for dried cranberries, or even stir in some dark chocolate chips for a little indulgence. Personalizing this recipe keeps it exciting and lets you make the bars exactly how you like them.

Nut-free version: Try sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter. I made this for a friend once, and it turned out just as chewy and tasty!
Extra fruity: Add chopped dried apricots or cherries along with raisins to boost the fruity flavor.
Spiced up: I sometimes toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to add a cozy hint of spice for fall vibes.
Vegan adjustment: This recipe is naturally vegan if your nut butter and maple syrup are vegan-certified — easy and wholesome!

How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your pan and preheat the oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. I always let the parchment overhang the sides—it makes lifting the bars out a breeze once baked. This simple prep step saves me from any tricky clean-up or crumbly bars later.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth, then stir in the creamy peanut butter and maple syrup. Mixing these well ensures every bite is deliciously uniform. You’ll notice how the mixture looks creamy and rich—this is the glue that brings your bars together.

Step 3: Combine the dry ingredients and fold everything together

Now add your oats, a pinch of salt, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and raisins into the wet mix. Stir gently but thoroughly until the batter comes together evenly. This step is key for consistent chew and flavor—don’t rush it! Make sure no dry pockets remain.

Step 4: Spread and sprinkle

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and use a spatula to press it down evenly, especially into the corners. I like to sprinkle the reserved raisins on top for an attractive finish and a little extra sweetness crunch. It’s a small touch I’ve found guests always notice.

Step 5: Bake to chewy perfection

Bake for 22–26 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Be careful not to overbake! I’ve learned that pulling them out a little early keeps these bars soft and chewy rather than dry and crumbly, which is exactly what you’re aiming for.

Step 6: Cool and slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan to firm up before slicing into 12 squares. This resting time helps them hold together better and makes for cleaner cuts. You can enjoy them warm if you like, but letting them cool brings out the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

On a white marbled surface, there are five white bowls and two yellow bananas arranged neatly. The largest bowl is filled with light beige rolled oats with a rough texture, positioned at the top left. To the right of it is a smaller bowl filled with dark brown dates that have a shiny, wrinkled texture. Below the oats bowl is another white bowl containing smooth, light brown peanut butter with a creamy texture and a visible swirl pattern on the top. Next to the peanut butter, there is a small white bowl that holds two powders side by side: a light brown powder on the left and a white powder on the right, both with fine textures. The two ripe yellow bananas lie diagonally across the bottom right of the image, with their smooth skins showing some details near the stems. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often dust a little extra cinnamon or a light drizzle of honey on top when serving these bars at brunch or afternoon tea. If I’m feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of nut butter makes a lovely topping that adds creaminess and contrast.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea. I also like serving them alongside fresh fruit to balance the richness and add refreshing brightness—think apple slices or a handful of berries.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or casual gatherings, I’ve cut these into mini bite-sized bars and arranged them on a pretty serving tray with little flags or handwritten labels. They make a charming grab-and-go snack that guests appreciate—and they disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, they stay moist and chewy without drying out. It’s perfect when I want a quick grab-and-go snack for the week.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm! I freeze wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When I want a quick treat, I just pull one out and let it thaw for a bit on the counter or in my bag for work. It’s a little slice of homemade goodness anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer them warm, heating a bar in the microwave for about 15 seconds does the trick—it softens them up without drying them out. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute warm-up in the oven at low heat refreshes their chewy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Absolutely! Old-fashioned rolled oats will work perfectly and give your Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars a heartier texture. The bars may be a bit chunkier, which some people really enjoy. Just keep in mind the baking time might vary slightly as the moisture levels adjust.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are key for sweetness and moisture. If yours aren’t quite there, you can speed ripening by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two. Alternatively, you could add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to compensate, but I highly recommend using ripe bananas when possible.
Can I replace peanut butter with another nut butter?

Yes, you can swap in almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Just pick creamy varieties for best results. Keep in mind that the flavor will shift slightly, which can be a fun way to customize your bars.
How do I ensure my bars stay chewy and not dry?

The secret is not overbaking. Pull the bars out when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Also, using ripe bananas and storing bars properly helps retain moisture. I’ve found that cooling them fully before slicing also prevents crumbling.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy chewy oatmeal raisin bars without worry if you have gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

This Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen for quick snacks and comforting treats. They’re simple enough to whip up on a weekday afternoon yet deliciously satisfying to share with family or friends. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—it’s a little bit of love baked into every chewy, flavorful bite. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and bake yourself some happiness!