Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars – Soft, Chewy, and Wholesomely Sweet

These Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars are a deliciously chewy, wholesome treat perfect for snack time or dessert. Packed with hearty oats and naturally sweet raisins, they offer the classic comforts of an oatmeal cookie in an easy-to-cut bar form. With a balanced sweetness and soft texture, these bars satisfy your cravings without the heaviness of traditional cookie recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chewy & Soft – Thick bars with the perfect chewy oatmeal texture.
Wholesome Ingredients – Made with oats, raisins, and a touch of natural sweetness.
Easy to Make – Simple mixing and baking for minimal effort.
Customizable – Swap raisins for other dried fruit or nuts as you like.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup raisins

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar.

3. Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together applesauce, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine and Add Raisins
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the raisins.

5. Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 25–28 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Cut
Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into 16 bars.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Calories: 130
Protein: 3g
Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Natural Sweeteners – Honey or maple syrup adds moisture and gentle sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep bars tender.
• Swap It Up – Try dried cranberries, chopped dates, or nuts instead of raisins.
• Store Properly – Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Why This Recipe Works

These oatmeal raisin bars strike the perfect balance between chewy and moist, thanks to applesauce and natural sweeteners replacing some fat and sugar. Whole wheat flour and oats add wholesome fiber and texture, while raisins provide natural bursts of sweetness without overwhelming the bars.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars make a satisfying and wholesome snack that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. With classic flavors, soft texture, and a naturally sweet finish, these bars are perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon pick-me-ups, or anytime you need a quick, nourishing treat.