Raspberry Oatmeal Bars are the ultimate comforting treat you can enjoy at any time of the day! These delightful bars mix juicy raspberries with wholesome oats, creating a snack that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or a sweet dessert to satisfy your cravings, these bars are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy people and families!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients for Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- How to Make Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Tips for Making Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Make-Ahead Instructions
- Storing Leftovers
- Freezing Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Reheating Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- Try these Raspberry Oatmeal Bars related recipes next!
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- Classic Oatmeal Cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Fast to Prepare. Whip these raspberry oatmeal bars up in just 30 minutes. They’re a quick solution for snack attacks or lunch box additions!
- Healthy Indulgence. Made with wholesome oats and fresh raspberries, you can feel good about indulging in these delicious bars while providing energy and nutrients.
- Customizable Recipe. Feel free to swap in different fruits or nuts, making this recipe perfect for your family’s preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep. These bars store well, making them a great option for meal prepping snacks for the week!
Ingredients for Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Forms the base of the bar, providing a chewy texture. Do not substitute with quick oats.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the ingredients together, yielding a perfect crumbly texture.
- Fresh Raspberries: Juicy and sweet, these give the bars a delightful tartness. Frozen raspberries can also be used.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor, helping to keep the bars moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and depth; opt for whole butter rather than substitutes for the best flavor.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise slightly, creating a nice, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and gives a warm background note to the overall sweetness.
- Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors.
How to Make Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine old-fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Melt the unsalted butter and stir in with the vanilla extract until just combined. Pour the wet mixture into the oat mixture and stir until just combined.
- Spread half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Add the fresh raspberries over the pressed oat layer and top with the remaining oat mixture. Spread evenly over the raspberries.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Tips for Making Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Ensure Measurement Accuracy: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring the right texture and bake.
- Substitution Flexibility: Feel free to replace raspberries with other fruits like blueberries or chopped peaches to alter flavor profiles.
- Serving Variations: Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold with yogurt for a delicious breakfast treat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the oatmeal mixture and press it into the pan a day before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate it overnight.
- Bake the bars the following day, and enjoy fresh or store them for later consumption.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover raspberry oatmeal bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also roll them tightly in plastic wrap for a simpler grab-and-go option!
Freezing Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- Once cooled completely, slice the bars and wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Raspberry Oatmeal Bars
- To reheat frozen bars, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them briefly in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
- You can also heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess moisture before mixing.
How do I cut these bars without them falling apart?
Make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Using a sharp knife helps to keep them from crumbling.
Can I add nuts to the mixture?
Definitely! Nuts like walnuts or almonds can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
How long do these oatmeal bars last?
They will last in the fridge for about 5 days and can be frozen for 3 months.
Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar, but it may alter the taste and texture slightly.
