Triple Good Bar
Chewy, fruity oatmeal bars with a zesty lemon flavor and a rich, buttery texture, perfect for a satisfying snack or a quick dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, combine the first four ingredients: margarine or butter, brown sugar, lemon peel, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the margarine, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Add the remaining ingredients: raisins and oatmeal, and blend well.
- Press all but 2 cups of the oatmeal mixture into the prepared pan.
- Spread the raisin mixture evenly over the pressed oatmeal base.
- Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal mixture over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool the bars in the pan, then cut into 1 x 2-inch bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, consider using old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. If you want a richer flavor, substitute half of the margarine with coconut oil. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra crunch. Make sure to stir the mixture continuously while cooking to prevent burning. If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a great snack on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of yogurt for a balanced breakfast. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a delightful afternoon treat. For a fun twist, try crumbling them over ice cream or yogurt parfaits for added texture and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, which will keep them fresh for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm, or enjoy at room temperature for a satisfying chewy snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Triple Good Bar contains roughly 145 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (11% 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 different dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the bars. Just ensure that any fruit you use is chopped into small pieces for even distribution.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these bars vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and using a dairy-free condensed milk alternative. There are various brands available that offer coconut or soy-based condensed milk, which will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze the Triple Good Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
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).