Old Fashioned Spicy Oatmeal Raisin Bars

Submitted by littleturtle

"Tasty and good for an energy boost. Goes nicely with a glass of milk. These soft, moist bars are a great snack and kids love 'em."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 36

ingredients

• 1 cup raisins (chopped will make the bars easier to cut) or 1 cup dates, whole or chopped (chopped will make the bars easier to cut)
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1⁄3 cup shortening (or unsalted butter, softened)
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3⁄4 teaspoon baking soda (1/2 tsp at high altitude)
• 1⁄3 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1⁄2 cup nuts, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour or 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ginger

directions

1. Combine raisins with water, and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add oats and all other remaining ingredients; blend, then beat at medium speed for 1 minute.
3. Spread evenly in greased 13x9" pan, and bake at 350F (375 at high altitude) until top springs back when touched lightly in the center (15-20 minutes).

Reviews

[diannakearney]

This recipe is not a winner at my house. It was difficult to follow (it lists a cup of flour at the top and then another 1/2 cup at the bottom). The ingredients are listed in an odd manner - make sure and cream the sugar, butter, vanilla, and spices before adding the flour, raisins, and oatmeal or it will be too clumpy to mix. I had to add another egg to make it moist enough to spread into the pan. The bars came out rather dry. I won't make them again.

 

[justcallmetoni]

I was making these for a staff social and they were enjoyed by the crowd. A little short on raisins I supplemented with an assortment of finely diced dried fruit - peaches, pears and apricots. I loved the subtle spicyness of the dough and thought the amounts of fruits and nuts (in my case pecans) was just right. I would reduce the cooking time in the future as at 20 mintes the cookies were much drier than I would have expected or I think was intended. Thanks.

 

[Angie P]

I made these bars for a potluck and everyone loved them! Given the past two ratings, I used brown sugar instead of white and added a half teaspoon of cinnamon. Regular rolled oats can be used. I added oats and a small amout of water (just to wet) to the raisins after simmering and let it stand to absorb the water. When the bars were finished cooling, I drizzled a simple icing made with confectioner's sugar, milk and lemon juice on top. Very tasty :)

 

[bluewren]

I think that this recipe has too much salt, and my husband's comment was, "Did you leave something out?" I didn't, but they sure taste like something is missing. I would not recommend this recipe at all.

 

[Darlene10]

Just took these out of the oven a few minutes ago and they are great. Just a wonderful, not sweet, treat. I think they would be awfully good with ice cream. By the way, the house smells awfully good. Thanks for posting.