Yummy Good Bars
Chewy, oat-based bars packed with raisins, walnuts, and a hint of lemon, perfect for a sweet snack or lunchbox treat for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 2 sticks oleo (butter), softened ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups Quaker oats ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) ⓘ
- 14 ounces Eagle Brand milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup plain flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine raisins, Eagle Brand milk, grated lemon peel, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened oleo and brown sugar until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Add in flour, oats, chopped walnuts, and salt (if using), mixing well.
- Pour the raisin mixture into the dry ingredients and combine thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the walnuts with pecans, or use almond extract in place of vanilla for a unique twist. If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour, which will give the bars a nuttier taste. Be sure to watch the baking time closely, as ovens may vary.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For an extra boost, try drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Yummy Good Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yummy Good Bars contains roughly 220 calories, with 3g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 549mg per serving (24% 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?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates. Just ensure that any fruit you choose is chopped into small pieces for even distribution throughout the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Yummy Good Bars, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, especially oats, are certified gluten-free.
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).