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oatmeal raisin bars 850172876

California Oatmeal Raisin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Chewy oatmeal raisin bars with cinnamon-spiced oats and a silky cream cheese frosting. An easy, irresistible California-style dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Baking, Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 575
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Bars
  • 1 cup (5.5 oz / 155 g) raisins
  • 1 cup warm water for soaking raisins
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (270 g) old-fashioned oats
  • 1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese softened
  • ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) confectioners' sugar

Method
 

Bars
  1. Put the raisins in a medium bowl, pour the warm water over them, and let sit for 30 minutes.
  2. Drain the soaked raisins well and pat them dry with paper towels; set aside.
  3. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two long sides for easy lifting.
  4. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
  5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed until smooth and fully incorporated.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  7. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  8. Gently fold the prepared raisins into the batter with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  9. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  10. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  11. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla with a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth.
  2. Add the confectioners' sugar slowly, one cup at a time, beating on low after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars with an offset spatula, then cut into 12 bars and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 8gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 185mgFiber: 3gSugar: 53g

Notes

Use room-temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter and frosting.
The raisins must be soaked first to keep them plump and juicy; don't skip this step.
For a California twist, swap half the raisins for chopped dried apricots or add toasted almonds.
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
To make ahead, bake and cool the bars, then refrigerate unfrosted for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving.
For cleaner slices, chill the frosted bars for 30 minutes, then cut with a sharp knife wiped between cuts.

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