The Best Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oatmeal raisin bars taste like a treat but are made with better-for-you ingredients. They’re naturally sweetened, easy to make in one bowl, and freezer-friendly for meal prep. With fiber-rich oats and naturally sweet raisins, they’re both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rolled oats

• Oat flour (or blended oats)

• Baking powder

• Ground cinnamon

• Salt

• Raisins

• Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)

• Honey or maple syrup

• Egg (or flax egg for vegan option)

• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a square baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix oats, oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk nut butter, honey, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in raisins.

5. Spread batter evenly in the prepared dish.

6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until set and lightly golden.

7. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9–12 bars.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped nuts for crunch.

• Swap raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates.

• Stir in dark chocolate chips for a sweeter version.

• Use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

• Add shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before eating.

FAQs

Are these bars good for breakfast?

Yes, they’re packed with fiber and natural sweetness, making them a healthy breakfast option.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes, use a flax egg and maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.

Do I need to soak the raisins?

Soaking is optional, but it makes them plumper and juicier in the bars.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer.

How do I keep the bars from being too dry?

Make sure not to overbake, and use enough nut butter and liquid sweetener.

Can I use applesauce instead of egg?

Yes, ¼ cup applesauce works as an egg substitute.

How sweet are these bars?

They’re mildly sweet, but you can adjust by adding more or less honey/maple syrup.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a 9×13 dish and increase the baking time slightly.

Do these bars travel well?

Yes, they’re sturdy and portable, perfect for lunchboxes or snacks on the go.

Conclusion

The best healthy oatmeal raisin bars are chewy, flavorful, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. They’re versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh or from the freezer, these bars are a delicious way to eat healthy without missing out on flavor.