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Published: . Last Updated: by: Ginny McMeans
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These oven-baked Oatmeal Raisin Crumb Bars have three layers with distinct textures and fantastic taste. A yummy oats base, a fruit filling, and a perfect peanut crumble topping. You are going to love them!
They are sweet and soft, slightly crunchy and are topped with chopped peanuts. It is challenging not to get overly obsessed with these crumb bars.
A fair warning before you make them! This recipe will give you twenty beautiful squares to share but they tend to disappear fast.
I believe that a healthy lifestyle is all about balance, and sometimes that means satisfying your sweet cravings now and then. And I’ve got you covered with these raisin crumb bars!
Here is what you’ll love about Oatmeal Raisin Bars
- The recipe might look complicated, but it is straightforward to make.
- The top and bottom layers are made from the same dough base, and the jam comes together, over the stove, in very little time.
- The ingredients are probably in your cupboard right now.
- They are made from wholesome, familiar flavors and a go-to recipe to please a crowd.
What Are The Three Layers?
- These treats have a slightly crunchy oats-cookie-dough base and are sweetened with organic brown sugar.
- In the middle, there's a not too thick raisin-and-orange flavored filling—my homemade raisin jam—with a perfect hint of tropical coconut pieces.
- Then, of course, the peanut crumb topping finishes it off.
Chef's Tips:
- When you add the ingredients for the filling in the saucepan, it is essential to frequently stir at first until all the sugar and cornstarch has dissolved.
- Then you let it cook over medium heat until thickened and you get that marmalade effect.
- Cornstarch slightly thickens the fruit mixture to a lovely jam-like consistency.
- Don’t forget to add the orange juice. It is going to give you that tangy, slightly sweet flavor that beautifully compliments dried fruits like raisins.
- It is the juice that makes the taste of the filling so unique.
- Stir in the coconut shreds at the end when the jam has thickened. It adds a great chewy texture.
- Chop the peanuts as fine as you like. Two different versions of these easy oatmeal bars are featured on these pages and they all taste fantastic!
You can substitute coconut sugar for the brown sugar.
If you prefer less sweet crumb bars, opt for coconut sugar. Although it looks a lot like brown sugar, it is less powerful in taste and when used in baking a tad less sweet.
Can you make these easy oatmeal bars nut-free?
If you prefer your crumble on the softer side or want to make it allergy-friendly and nut-free, simply remove the chopped peanuts.
Don’t have a strong opinion about it? Then do yourself a favor and add the nuts. I think the crumble topping is a winner!
Reasons to Make Easy Oatmeal Bars
- You are in serious need of a treat or dessert—you know exactly what I'm talking about. These little bars are sweet enough to satisfy your cravings.
- Once in a while, you want something special for breakfast with a nice cup a’ tea or coffee.
- You want to grab something on the go. They are a great addition to any picnic too.
- You want to share an over-the-top dessert. A dazzling recipe for birthdays or other special celebrations!
- You want to treat yourself. Those are the days you want these fruit bars in your freezer!
Now go make this recipe because you deserve it! Heck, make it for company. I'm sure they deserve it too.
📋 Recipe
Oatmeal Raisin Bars
Ginny McMeans
Oatmeal Raisin Crumb Bars have 3 distinct layers with different textures. A yummy oats base, a fruit filling, a perfect peanut crumb topping.
5 from 8 votes
Print Save
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Bars
Servings 20 Bars
Calories 165 kcal
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ¼ cups raisins
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ½ cup shredded coconut
for the base and crumb mixture
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup old fashioned oats (also called rolled)
- ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed - you can also use coconut sugar instead
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup dairy-free butter
- ½ cups chopped peanuts
Instructions
Do the raisin filling first so it can cool a bit while you are working on the crumb mixture.
For the Filling:
In a medium sized saucepan add the sugar and cornstarch.
Stir in the raisins and orange juice.Do not add the coconut yet.
Cook over medium heat until thickened.Take off the heat and stir in the coconut. Set aside.
For the crumb mixture:
In a large bowl add the flour, oats, brown sugar and baking soda.Mix together.
Add the dairy-free butter and cut in until the mixture resembles crumbs.
Remove ½ cup of the crumb mixture and put in a small bowl. Add the peanuts and set aside for the topping.
Assembling:
With your fingers - press the remaining crumb mixture in an ungreased 9"x9" baking pan.
Spread the raisin mixture all over the bottom layer.
Evenly sprinkle the peanut mixture over the top.Press gently into the raisin mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.
Cool in the pan on a wire rack.Cut into squares.Makes about 20 bars depending on the size that you cut your squares.
Notes
TO FREEZE:
After they have cooled you may freeze themin rigid sided containers or freezer bags.
They defrost quickly so it really doesn't take any planning. Just put them on a plate for an hour or two and enjoy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1BarCalories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 103mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 235IUVitamin C: 5.1mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Jill
I love raisins, even though they are concentrated sugar. Making this recipe with whole wheat flour today!
Ginny McMeans
Great Jill! You will love it!
Heather // girlichef
I. Want. This. NOW! I'm a huge fan of raisins, too...and just looking at the layer against the crumb has my cheeks tingling in anticipation. Absolutely deeeelicious.
Kirsten/ComfortablyDomestic
I love raisins baked in just about anything. The raisin "jam" in these bars sounds delicious.
Melanie
Love raisins. This is gorgeous. I bet my kids would love it too!
foodwanderings
I love that you incorporated oats and almond milk in these crumb bars. The images are so vivid!
Nami | Just One Cookbook
We love raisins and these bars look really delicious! Crumb topping is always my favorite!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
A really nice fall recipe! My grandmother would make something like this often. I really need to work on a gluten and sugar free version. Thanks for the inspiration!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I love the layers here in these bars! This looks like a winner!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
I normally have cereal and almond milk for breakfast in the mornings too! Can't wait to have these instead! Love the layers!
Nutmeg Nanny
These bars look delicious! I love that raisin center...yum!
Lora @cakeduch*ess
I love raisins in baking and I've got to try your over-the top raisin crumb bars...any thing with crumb is perfection to me!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella)
An over the top dessert? Sounds right up my alley! YUM.
Karissa | Sweet as a Cookie
Oh yum! I wish I had one of these for breakfast. They look delightful!
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
These Raisin Crumb Bars look positively amazing! And with coconut?? Yippee!
kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox
These look incredible! Lunch box dessert winner!
Nisa Homey
Ginny, these bars are calling me...love your healthy recipes!
Kim Beaulieu
I hear these ship really well. Just sayin'.
I love raisin bars. They scream comfort food to me.
Ginny McMeans
Haha Heather - thanks!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Kirsten - you're the best!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Melanie!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks! You are very sweet.
Ginny McMeans
Me too Nami! This crumb topping is a little different too. Really good.
Ginny McMeans
I love your grandmother Brenda! I am looking forward to your recipe.
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Ashley! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Yeah, love cereal. Thanks so much Angie!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha - yippee!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much ❤️
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Lora! I love crumb toppings too.
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha - yep, it is for you. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Darn Karissa - I ran out! We'd better make some. 🙂
Ginny McMeans
I didn't think of that Kellie! They would be perfect in a lunch box! ❤️
Ginny McMeans
You are a sweetheart Nisa!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha - you deserve a big shipment Kim. Thanks!
Anu
Hello. Thank you for the recipe. Do you use sweetened or unsweetened coconut in the filling?
Thank you,
Anu
Ginny McMeans
Hi Anu, It is really your choice. I normally would use unsweetened but I couldn't find any. I used sweetened here and they were delicious too.
Lisa Bryan
Oh yum! You can't go wrong with some raisin bars and these sound delish!Leslie-Anne
Nice to have a special treat now and again for breakfast! I adore raisins so these bars look great to me!Natalie
YUM! These bars look absolutely delicious!Veena Azmanov
This is perfect for any raisin lover like my son! He eats them by the bowl!! Need to try this. YumKatie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes
This looks like a yummy baking project for this cold weekend! My kids would devour the whole batch!Shari
I made the bars today with plans to freeze ahead for Thanksgiving family visiting. They may not make it to the freezer. These are awesome. I did omit nuts for allergy. Will be a favorite!! Thanks for sharing.
Ginny McMeans
Now that is awesome! You are very welcome and thanks so much for letting us know!
Brooklyn
Hello, I never have orange juice, would I be able to substitute it with milk or water?
Thank you very much.Ginny McMeans
It would really change the rich flavor but water would work best Brooklyn.
