Raisin Iron Bars

Submitted by Caryn

"A healthy sweet treat that I've been making since I could bake."

 

• Ready In: 40mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Yields: 18 bars

ingredients

• 1⁄3 cup vegetable oil
• 1⁄3 cup molasses
• 1⁄4 cup water
• 1 large egg
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup carrot, grated
• 1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1⁄4 cup non-fat powdered milk
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup raisins

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, sift flour, non-fat dry milk, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, mix oil, molasses,and water.
4. Add egg, brown sugar, and carrots.
5. Add dry ingredients; mix well.
6. Add the rolled oats and raisins; mix well.
7. Pour into a greased 9-inch pan.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
9. Cool for at least 15 minutes.
10. Cut into 18 bars.

Reviews

[DangerousWithKnives]

We added 1/2 cup of walnuts to this one to give it a bit of crunch. Delicious!

 

[ladypit]

I too didn't find the molasses flavor to be too strong (though we too love molasses). I thought these were dense but had lovely flavor and texture. My husband has raved. My picky eater (age 4) wasn't a huge fan, though he took a few bites. I used regular oats (not quick cooking) and found that I had plenty of texture for my taste. Yum. Thanks!

 

[Roosie]

Now, we love molasses, but these are delicious! I used mostly blackstrap (used up the last of it, so did have to top it off with some barbados), but I didn't find it terribly strong. I think that the oaty flavor and texture helps the molasses flavor from being overwhelming. I think the carrots probably help sweeten it up too, although they are pretty much undetecible in the dish. I love all the healthy things in here! Mine is actually a tad cakier and crumblier than I might like, so next time I will try this with whole wheat flour- I think it might be more delicious and even healthier, to boot! I only added half the amount of salt required. Next time I might add some nuts too- I found myself craving a bit more texture, but that might just be because of the cakiness. The oats give this nice little chewy bits, but honestly, next time, I might try putting in the 1/2 cup water as 1/2 cup warm water and letting the oats soak a bit. Just to try! I love the dark flavor of this with the bits of raisins and the pretty pale oats! We loved it! Thanks for posting; I will make again!

 

[Missy Wombat]

Very easy recipe with lots of healthy things in there. Used blackstrap molasses which might be a bit strong for some but I like it ;). Good recipe Caryn!