Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars
Recipe Introduction: Your Guide to Soft Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bliss
Fancy something sweet, but not too naughty? I've got you covered. Ever thought about making your own soft oatmeal raisin granola ? Honestly, it's a game changer.
These bars are chewy, comforting, and taste like an oatmeal raisin cookie.
Granola Bars? Yes, Please!
Let's talk about these homemade granola bars . They're inspired by the classic oatmeal raisin cookie. This recipe is easy peasy, even if you're not a baking pro.
Think cinnamon, vanilla, and that comforting oat-y goodness. It's nostalgia in a bar.
Quick Glance: What You Need to Know
Oatmeal raisin cookies have been around for ages. This recipe brings that flavour in bar form. It's an easy recipe that takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes (mostly chilling).
You'll get 9-12 bars out of one batch.
Why You'll Love These Bars
These bars are brilliant lunchbox treats . They're full of fiber. Perfect for a quick healthy snack recipe after a workout.
It's a much healthier alternative to grabbing a chocolate bar. Plus, everyone loves oatmeal raisin.
These aren't your typical rock hard chewy granola bars . No siree! The coconut oil and honey keep them soft. This makes them a great kids granola bar recipe .
Plus, you know exactly what goes into them, which is always a win. No artificial nasties here.
Ready to get started? Let's dive into the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk about what you'll need for these Soft Oatmeal Raisin Granola wonders. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have. We're making homemade granola bars , remember?
Main Players
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: 1 cup (85g) . These are your base! Don't use instant oats, alright?
- Whole wheat flour: ⅓ cup (43g) . Or almond meal for gluten-free.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons . Gotta have that warm spice!
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
- Coconut oil, melted: ¼ cup (56g) . This binds everything together. Make sure is completely melted.
- Nut butter: ¼ cup (63g) . Peanut, almond, cashew...whatever floats your boat.
- Honey: ¼ cup (85g) . Adds sweetness.
- Coconut sugar: ¼ cup (50g) . Brown sugar works too.
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons .
- Raisins: ¾ cup (128g) . Gotta have those chewy bits! It goes well with oatmeal raisin cookies , you know.
- Optional: Chopped nuts: ¾ cup (100g) . Walnuts, pecans, almonds your call.
Quality counts with the coconut oil and nut butter. Get the good stuff, it makes a difference. Plus, you can always try to make energy bars homemade with this recipe.
Spice It Up (Seasoning Notes)
Cinnamon is key, but a pinch of nutmeg or ginger? Bangin'. For flavour enhancers, vanilla extract is a must. Run out? A touch of maple syrup works too.
Don't be afraid to experiment! You can adapt them to a breakfast granola bars recipe by adding chocolate chips!.
Gear You'll Need (Equipment Needed)
- An 8 inch square baking pan .
- Parchment paper. Makes life easier.
- A large mixing bowl.
- A rubber spatula or wooden spoon. For mixing like a boss.
- A cooling rack. To stop the baking process.
Don't have a proper baking pan? Honestly, anything similar will do. Use what you have. This a great alternative to no bake granola bars alternative if you are a newbie.
Perfect lunchbox treats for your children, or even a simple kids granola bar recipe .
These chewy granola bars are awesome. Seriously, get baking. You will have a healthy snack recipe in no time, and they are better than anything you can buy in the shops, even more soft baked granola bars and you can share with your friends.
Soft & Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars: Your New Favourite Treat!
Fancy a snack that's a bit more exciting than your usual digestive biscuit? These Soft Oatmeal Raisin Granola bars are calling your name! Think oatmeal raisin cookies , but in a bar form.
Honestly, they're so easy even I can't mess them up, and that's saying something.
Prep Like a Pro: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organized. Mise en place is your best friend. Get all your ingredients measured out. Melting the coconut oil beforehand is a game changer.
This ensures everything mixes evenly. Quick tip: line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides.
This makes getting the bars out later a doddle!
Baking Bonanza: step-by-step Goodness
Alright, here's the magic formula:
- Preheat your oven to 325° F ( 163° C) .
- Throw your oats, flour, cinnamon, and salt into a bowl.
- Add melted coconut oil, nut butter, honey, sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in those gorgeous raisins and chopped nuts (if using).
- Press the mixture really firmly into your prepared pan. Pack it tight !.
- Bake for 25- 28 minutes . Look for golden brown edges.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Insider Secrets: Level Up Your Granola Game
Want to make these homemade granola bars extra special? Try melting your coconut oil completely to get the perfect blend.
Pressing firmly is the key! This avoids those crumbly bars. Don't skip the chilling step! This makes cutting them later much easier.
You will get those perfect chewy granola bars .
Thinking about a no bake granola bars alternative ? You can skip the baking. Pop the mixture into the freezer, for a fudgy treat.
It is a nice way to enjoy something a little different.
These are great lunchbox treats for the kids or perfect as energy bars homemade for you, or your loved ones!
These kids granola bar recipe are not only easy to make, but are also a super healthy snack recipe ! I promise, everyone will love them.
And that's it! You've just whipped up a batch of these soft baked granola bars . Enjoy your amazing homemade treats! Maybe enjoy a cup of tea with yours like I do, every time!
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon
Alright, before you dive headfirst into baking these awesome soft oatmeal raisin granola bars, let’s chew the fat about a few things.
You know, the kinda stuff that makes your bake go from “meh” to “Oh my gosh, this is amazing!”. Think of these as insider tips, passed down from me to you, your trusty kitchen pal.
Serving: Make 'Em Look Good!
Presentation matters, right? These aren't just lunchbox treats ; they can be so much more. Cut them into neat squares and arrange them artfully on a plate.
Feeling fancy? Drizzle a tiny bit of melted dark chocolate over the top. For the perfect pairing, grab a glass of cold milk, or a cup of warm tea, depending on the time of day.
Either way, your brew will go down a treat along side of these bars.
Storage: Keeping it Fresh
Let’s talk storage. Honestly, these never last long in my house. But if you've got more willpower than me, here’s the lowdown.
Store leftover homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Fancy making them last a bit longer? Pop them in the fridge, where they'll keep for up to a week.
I wouldn't recommend freezing these as that will affect the texture.
Variations: Make it Your Own
This is where you can get creative. Wanna make it extra chocolatey? Chuck in some chocolate chips. Feeling nutty? Add a handful of chopped walnuts.
If you are looking for a no bake granola bars alternative , try using rice krispies with melted marshmallows. For a vegan version, swap out the honey for maple syrup.
You could even ditch the flour and find a breakfast granola bars recipe . Remember have fun, don't be scared of making mistakes!
Nutrition: Fuel Your Body
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here’s the gist. These bars are packed with wholesome oats, which are a great source of fibre.
They've also got nut butter for healthy fats and honey for a bit of sweetness. Think of them as a slightly healthier alternative to oatmeal raisin cookies .
Remember, these are soft baked granola bars . It's all about the taste, the aroma and the joy of baking! If you want something healthier, try following an energy bars homemade recipe or a healthy snack recipe .
So go on, give these chewy granola bars a go! I’m sure they’ll turn out brilliantly. Let me know how you get on! And seriously, don't worry if they're not perfect, they will probably be delicious anyway.
Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
My soft oatmeal raisin granola bars are too crumbly! What did I do wrong?
Ah, the dreaded crumbly bar! The most common culprit is not pressing the mixture firmly enough into the pan. Really pack it in there tight! Also, ensure you use melted coconut oil and don't skip the chilling time that's crucial for firming them up.
Can I make these soft oatmeal raisin granola bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the whole wheat flour for almond meal (also known as almond flour) at a 1:1 ratio. This will give you a delicious, gluten-free version of the bars. Make sure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
How should I store these oatmeal raisin granola bars to keep them soft?
To keep your granola bars nice and soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Can I substitute the honey in this soft oatmeal raisin granola recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still work well as a binder. Just be sure to use the same amount as the original recipe to maintain the right consistency.
Are these granola bars actually healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
While these granola bars are a tasty treat, they're more of a "slightly better" option than a full-on dessert. They contain oats, nuts, and raisins, which offer some fiber and nutrients. However, they also include sugar and fat, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Check out the nutritional information in the recipe for a better idea of the breakdown per bar.
I don't have coconut sugar. What can I use instead in these soft oatmeal raisin granola bars?
No worries! You can easily substitute coconut sugar with packed light or dark brown sugar. The brown sugar will add a slightly more molasses like flavor, which complements the other ingredients nicely. You can also use granulated sugar, but the bars might be a tad less chewy.
Soft Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
