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Homemade granola bars with oatmeal and raisins and nuts sliced into bars on a wire rack, with golden raisins scattered around.
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Oatmeal Raisin Granola Bars

These homemade granola bars put the store bought bars to shame. Toasted oats and pecans with an accent of golden raisins... you'll be making these for the rest of your life.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 10 bars
Calories 329kcal
Author Whitney Wright

Ingredients

  • 3 cups old fashioned oats
  • 1 cup chopped nuts I used pecans
  • 6 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted is fine
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the oats and chopped nuts on the baking sheet. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until toasted. Remove from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. 
  • In a large saucepan add the butter, brown sugar, honey, salt, and vanilla. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. Cook until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
  • Pour the butter mixture over the toasted oats and nuts. Add the golden raisins. Stir to combine.
  • Line a 9x9 inch square pan with wax paper or parchment paper. Pour the granola mixture into the pan and using the back of a spoon or a spatula firmly press the mixture into the pan, doing your best to create an even layer. 
  • Place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until cool and set.
  • Remove from the fridge and carefully pull the overhanging parchment paper and remove the granola from the pan. Using a long knife cut into bars, about 8-10 bars.
  • Store wrapped between parchment paper (to prevent sticking) in an airtight container. 
  • Can keep at room temperature for 5 days or in the fridge for up to a week or more. 

Notes

To save time, I make the sauce/bonding agent while the oats and nuts are toasting in the oven.
Want to add a whole new level of flavor? Brown the Butter. Do this prior to adding the brown sugar, honey, and vanilla to the saucepan.
Want to add a whole new level of flavor? Brown the Butter. Do this prior to adding the brown sugar, honey, and vanilla to the saucepan.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 329kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 214mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg