Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Total Time Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min.
Yield about 3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
These soft and chewy old-fashioned oatmeal raisin bars are sweet yet satiating, the ideal afternoon snack when you need a pick-me-up. They're easy to throw together, and they store well, making them a good option to keep on hand for hungry kiddos too.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons plus 1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1-1/2 cups sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups raisins
  • CRUMB MIXTURE:
  • 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Stir in sour cream until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into eggs; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in raisins. Cool to room temperature without stirring.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  3. Firmly press 3-1/2 cups of crumb mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Spread with raisin filling. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture.
  4. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 bar: 179 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 141mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

These tender bars from Rita Christianson of Glenburn, North Dakota have a sweet raisin filling tucked between a golden oat crust and topping. The old-fashioned treats are perfect for potlucks and cost a mere 20¢ each.
Recipe Creator

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