Raisin Bars
Raisin Bars are a delightful treat combining sweet raisins with a rich oatmeal crust and creamy filling. With their chewy texture and luscious flavor, they make a perfect dessert or snack for families and parties. Easy to customize with extra nuts or spice for added flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins in a little water for 10 minutes; drain and cool.
- Cream together the brown sugar and butter.
- Add oatmeal, baking soda, and flour to the mixture.
- Pat half of the oatmeal mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 7 minutes at 350°F.
- While baking, mix egg yolks, sour cream, sugar, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Add the cooked raisins and vanilla to the filling.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350°F until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewy texture, ensure the raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water before cooking. You can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the oatmeal mixture. This recipe is versatile, and you can explore variations using nuts or different dried fruits for a unique spin.
Serving Suggestions
These raisin bars make a delightful snack or dessert, perfect for lunchboxes or afternoon tea. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a full meal, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a slice of Best Apple Crisp for a comforting treat.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the raisin bars to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Bars contains roughly 641 calories, with 18g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 516mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates for different flavors and textures. Just make sure to chop larger fruits into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the bars.
What if I don't have sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or a mixture of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar consistency. This will still give you that creamy texture in the filling without compromising too much on flavor.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make these raisin bars vegan by using plant-based butter and flax eggs instead of egg yolks. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Additionally, use a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).