These chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars are the ideal lunchbox treat or after school snack.
As a mom of two growing children and a healthy recipe developer, I am constantly asked for nutritious kid-friendly meal ideas. The truth is, I didn’t grow up eating “kid food” and as a result, neither will my children! My kids eat what the adults eat so their food gets the same attention to flavor, ingredients, and spices as mine. However, if you are in search of healthy home-made snacks the whole family can enjoy, you have to give these Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars a try. My kids love these with my avocado blueberry smoothie for their after school snacks – a prefect healthy but yummy snack!
Ingredients
- Oats: A great source of fiber and antioxidants, I use quick-oats because this is a no-bake recipe.
- Rice cereal: Crispy rice cereal adds some crunch and texture to the bars.
- Raisins: Naturally sweet, raisins are super rich in nutrients and fiber. You could also throw in some mini chocolate chips!
- Butter: You could also use coconut oil, but it melts with the sugar to add sweetness and flavor.
- Rice syrup: Brown rice syrup is what holds the bars together after you cut them.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, rich sweetness to the bars.
- Vanilla: Just adds more to the flavor profile.
- Salt: An important ingredient, even in sweet recipes! It enhances the flavor of all the ingredients.
How to Make Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars
Start your granola bars by mixing your oats, rice cereal, and raisins in a large bowl and set aside.
Next melt your butter or coconut oil over medium-high heat.
Next add the brown sugar.
Followed by the brown rice syrup. Stir to combine and heat until sugar is fully dissolved and it starts to bubble to a low boil. Reduce heat and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Then pour the heated sugar mixture over the dry ingredients. Mix until fully combined and all the dry ingredients are coated.
Next add the oat mixture to a prepared baking dish and press down firmly to compact everything together. Let cool at room temperature for a couple of hours before removing from the dish and cutting into bars.
Once cut, serve immediately or store in an airtight container, and enjoy your Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars!
Frequently Asked Questions
In this recipe, it’s bound with the rice syrup. But if you’re willing to add them chia seeds are a great addition to your homemade granola bars that help to keep them together!
You don’t have to soak oats before making your granola bars, but doing so can help make them easier to digest.
Homemade granola bars are good for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container or resealable bag.
More Healthy Snacks
- Japanese Quick Pickled Cucumbers
- High Protein Homemade Granola
- Baked Corn Tortilla Chips
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls
- Oven Roasted Chickpeas
Eat It, LIke It, Share It!
Did you try this recipe and like it? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your snack.
These Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars are perfect for an afternoon snack, or to include in your kid’s school lunch. What do your kids love to eat in their school lunches? Let me know in the comments below – I would love to hear new ideas!
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch baking pan or glass baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the oats, cereal, salt and raisins. Set aside.
- In a small pot, melt the butter, syrup, and brown sugar. When it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 4 minutes, making sure the mixture continues to minimally bubble while stirring often. Turn off the heat and mix in the vanilla.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, and mix well to combine all ingredients. Place the mixture into the baking dish. Cover with parchment paper, and press down with your hands until the mix is well packed. (Just when you think you’ve pressed down enough- press some more!)
- Allow the pan to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Lift parchment paper out onto a cutting board and slice into 12 bars. After cutting the bars, store in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 1 week.
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