Oatmeal Raisin Bars are something that I now LOVE. Fifteen years ago I would have mistakenly skipped over them at the potluck table. Since I have always had a sweet tooth – I typically choose the sweet, rich, chocolatey dessert. However, I make an exception for these. 😉
The bars are wonderfully thick, crumbly, and have a delightful raisin filling layer. They remind me a bit of a streusel, and pair soooo nicely with coffee. I would also recommend drizzling the icing on top – just because.
As you can see, this recipe has stuck around for many years, they originally come from my husband’s late grandma, Maxine. These were often a favorite at Christmas. And for me, I usually make these in the wintertime, too. They are such as a lovely reminder of her and her sweet spirit.
- 1 c. brown sugar
- 1 c. butter, softened
- 2½ c. quick oatmeal
- 2 c. flour
- 1 t. soda
- For the filling:
- 1 c. raisins
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. granulated sugar
- 1 T. flour
- 1 T. butter
- 1 T. vanilla extract
- Icing:
- 1 c. powdered sugar
- 2 T. milk
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together the brown sugar, 1 c. butter, oatmeal, flour, and soda in a large bowl until crumbly. Press two-thirds of oatmeal mixture into 9 x 13 dish.
- Cook raisins, water, and sugar together until tender. Then add flour, butter. and vanilla extract. Remove from heat. Stir until butter is melted. Gently pour filling evenly on top of oatmeal mixture. Then add remain one-third of oatmeal mixture. Bake for 30 minutes and let cool. Drizzle bars with icing and cut into squares.
Looking for more oatmeal recipes?
One question, 2 cups of soda? Baking soda? I’d really like to try these. Thanks.
Hi Colleen, I’ve updated the recipe now – it should read “2 cups of flour and 1 t. baking soda”. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!