Welcome to your new favorite dessert! These Oatmeal Raisin Bars perfectly blend a simple, buttery crumb crust with a rich, creamy raisin filling, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist. If you’re a fan of classic oatmeal raisin cookies, prepare to fall in love with these elevated, delightful bars.

Ultimate Oatmeal Raisin Bars: Your New Favorite Dessert

As a devoted admirer of desserts, I can confidently say that these Oatmeal Raisin Bars have earned a permanent spot at the very top of my go-to baking list. There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly delicious about the combination of chewy oats, plump raisins, and warm spices, all brought together in an easy-to-eat bar format. Forget the fuss of individual cookies; these bars deliver all the flavor and texture you crave with less effort and maximum satisfaction.

If you’re constantly searching for those fabulous bar desserts that disappear from the plate almost as quickly as they’re made, then you’ve come to the right place. While I adore the bright tang of classic Lemon Bars and the decadent chewiness of Caramel Brownies, or even the beloved complexity of 7 Layer Bars, these Oatmeal Raisin Bars offer a unique charm that’s simply unbeatable. They truly are a standout treat, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy evening at home.

Why These Oatmeal Raisin Bars Will Become Your Go-To Treat

For anyone who appreciates the wholesome goodness and spiced sweetness of an oatmeal raisin cookie, these bars are a revelation. They take everything you love about the classic cookie and elevate it into a more substantial, satisfying form. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of textures: a buttery, crumbly base, a smooth and richly flavored raisin filling, and a generous layer of oat-infused crumb topping. It’s a symphony of sweet and spice that will have everyone reaching for a second piece.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced complexity. The creamy center, bursting with plump, sweet raisins and hints of cinnamon, provides a wonderful contrast to the rustic, textured oat crumb. While they might be a little messy to eat – thanks to all that glorious crumb mixture – every delicious morsel is absolutely worth it. In fact, I’d confidently place these homemade oatmeal raisin bars in the top five of my all-time favorite bar recipes. Seriously, they’re that good. Prepare to add them to the very top of your “must-bake” list!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Crafting these delectable Oatmeal Raisin Bars requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture. Pay attention to the details for the best possible outcome:

• Sugar: You’ll be using a combination of both white granulated sugar and brown sugar. The white sugar contributes to the smooth sweetness of the creamy filling, while the brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds depth, moisture, and a lovely caramel note to the crumb base and topping. I typically use light brown sugar for a milder flavor, but dark brown sugar can be substituted if you prefer a richer, more intense molasses taste.
• Cornstarch: This is a vital thickening agent for the raisin center. It ensures the filling sets beautifully, preventing it from being too runny and creating that perfectly creamy, luscious texture that holds its shape when sliced. Don’t skip it!
• Cinnamon: An indispensable spice when oatmeal and raisins are involved! Ground cinnamon adds that classic, warm, inviting aroma and flavor that pairs so perfectly with the other ingredients, elevating the overall taste profile of the bars.
• Sour Cream: The secret to the filling’s unbelievably tender and creamy texture. Sour cream adds a delightful tang that balances the sweetness and provides a richness that makes the center incredibly smooth. I have only tested this recipe with full-fat sour cream, which provides the best richness and stability. While lighter versions might work, the texture may vary.
• Eggs: Crucial for binding the filling and contributing to its rich custard-like consistency. It’s essential that your eggs are at room temperature. When incorporating the hot liquid from the saucepan into the eggs, whisk continuously and add the hot mixture slowly to temper the eggs. If your eggs are cold, they are far more likely to scramble when introduced to heat, ruining the texture of your filling.
• Raisins: The star of the show! I understand not everyone is a raisin enthusiast, but for authentic Oatmeal Raisin Bars, they are absolutely crucial for flavor and texture. They plump up beautifully in the creamy filling, offering bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness. For an extra layer of flavor, consider soaking them briefly in a tablespoon of rum or warm water before adding them to the filling (ensure they are drained well).
• Oats: The backbone of the crumb mixture. The original recipe sometimes calls for quick-cooking oats, but I’ve found that using regular old-fashioned rolled oats (also known as large flake oats) yields a superior texture – a bit more chew and a heartier crumb. Either type can technically be used, but for the best results, opt for old-fashioned oats.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps to ensure the crumb base is tender and not overly dense. It reacts with the acidic brown sugar and sour cream to create a light and airy texture in the crust and topping.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is vital in any sweet recipe. It doesn’t make the bars salty but rather enhances and balances all the other flavors, preventing them from tasting flat and bringing out the natural sweetness of the raisins and sugars.
• Butter: For the crumb mixture, cold butter is key. Cutting it into small cubes beforehand makes it much easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Cold butter helps create those desirable coarse crumbs that result in a flaky, tender crust and topping.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Creating these delightful bars is a straightforward process, broken down into making the filling, preparing the crumb mixture, and finally assembling and baking. Follow these steps for perfect results:

Part 1: Crafting the Creamy Raisin Filling

The filling needs time to cool to room temperature, so it’s best to start with this component first.

1. Prepare the Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to eliminate any lumps of cornstarch. This ensures a smooth filling.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients & Cook: Gradually stir in the sour cream until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently with a whisk or wooden spoon to prevent sticking, until the mixture begins to bubble actively. Once bubbling, reduce the heat slightly and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, maintaining a gentle stir. This ensures the cornstarch fully activates and begins to thicken.
3. Temper the Eggs: Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a separate medium bowl, lightly whisk your room-temperature eggs. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, you need to temper them. Slowly drizzle about half a cup of the hot filling mixture into the whisked eggs, whisking continuously and vigorously the entire time. This gradually brings the temperature of the eggs up without cooking them prematurely.
4. Combine and Thicken Further: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining filling, whisking constantly to ensure everything is smoothly integrated. Return the saucepan to medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil once more, and then allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring non-stop. You’ll notice the mixture becoming significantly thicker and lusher. I find it helpful to alternate between a whisk (for smoothness) and a heat-resistant spatula (to scrape the bottom and sides, preventing sticking and burning).
5. Add Raisins and Cool: Remove the saucepan from the heat completely. Stir in your plump raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the thick, creamy filling. Now, let this luscious mixture sit undisturbed until it cools down to room temperature. This cooling period is crucial for the filling to set properly before baking.

Part 2: Preparing the Buttery Crumb Mixture

This versatile crumb mixture serves as both the foundational crust and the delightful topping for your bars.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Use a whisk to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Cut in Cold Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is for the butter pieces to be small and uniform, about the size of small peas. This step is crucial for achieving a tender, crumbly texture in the baked bars.

Part 3: Assembly and Baking

Now that your filling has cooled and your crumb mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble and bake these delicious bars!

8. Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. For easier removal and cleaner slices, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
9. Form the Crust: Take approximately 3 ½ cups of the crumb mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a flat glass or your hands to ensure a compact and uniform crust.
10. Add the Filling: Gently spread the cooled raisin filling evenly over the pressed crust. Be careful not to disturb the crust layer underneath. A rubber spatula works well for this.
11. Top with Crumb: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture generously and evenly over the top of the raisin filling. This will create that irresistible crumbly topping.
12. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set. You can test for doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should be mostly firm.
13. Cool Completely: This is arguably the most important step for perfectly sliceable bars. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. This allows the filling to fully set and the bars to firm up, preventing them from falling apart. Cooling can take several hours.

Pro Tips for the Best Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Achieving bakery-quality Oatmeal Raisin Bars is easy with a few expert tips:

• Even Butter Distribution: When making the crumb mixture, ensure the butter is cut into the dry ingredients evenly. Whether you use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, aim for coarse, uniform crumbs. This even distribution helps create a tender, flaky crust and topping. Overworking the butter can lead to a tough crust, so mix until just combined.
• Chilling the Crust (Optional): For an extra firm crust, after pressing the crumb mixture into the pan, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before adding the filling. This helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
• Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: While these bars don’t typically stick if the pan is greased well, lining your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper (leaving an overhang on the longer sides) makes lifting the cooled bars out of the pan incredibly easy. This allows for neat, clean slices every time.
• The Importance of Cooling: Patience is truly a virtue with these bars! Allowing them to cool completely at room temperature, or even chilling them in the refrigerator, is absolutely crucial before cutting. The creamy filling needs ample time to set. Cutting into warm bars will result in a messy, gooey (though still delicious) experience.
• Storage: These Oatmeal Raisin Bars store beautifully. I personally love them straight from the refrigerator, as the chill enhances the firmness of the filling and makes them extra refreshing. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. They are also delicious served at room temperature.
• Freezing Instructions: If you’d like to make them ahead or have leftovers, these bars freeze well. Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen bars to an airtight freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

More Delightful Oatmeal Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of oatmeal and raisins, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

• Oatmeal Raisin Muffins
• Oatmeal Cake
• Cocoa Oatmeal Muffins
• Classic Oatmeal Cookies
• Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins

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Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe