Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Raisin Bars Recipe

No baking or food processor is required—just one bowl and one pan.
Made with simple, whole‑food ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Balanced macros: carbs from oats and raisins, healthy fats from nut butter, and added protein from the powder help stabilize blood sugar and provide sustained energy.
Flexible: you can easily swap in different dried fruits, nut butters or protein powders to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

rolled oats
vanilla whey (or plant‑based) protein powder
raisins
cashew butter (or another nut/seed butter)
milk (dairy or non‑dairy)
honey (or another liquid sweetener)
cinnamon
salt

Directions

Line an 8×8 inch (or similar sized) glass baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the oats, protein powder, raisins, cashew butter, milk, honey, cinnamon and salt. Stir well until everything is fully mixed and the batter is sticky. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more oats or protein powder; if it’s too dry, add a little more milk.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes (or until firm).
Once firm, cut into 8 equal‑sized bars.
Enjoy immediately or store (see storage instructions below).

Servings and timing

Makes: 8 bars
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Resting/chilling time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Use peanut butter, almond butter, tahini or sunflower seed butter instead of cashew butter (great for nut‑free options).
Swap the raisins for other dried fruit such as cranberries, blueberries or chopped dates.
Replace the vanilla protein powder with a chocolate flavored one for a different twist. If using plant‑based protein, you may need to adjust the milk quantity slightly (a little more milk if it seems dry).
Add mix‑ins: mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Use quick‑cooking oats instead of rolled oats for a softer texture (but avoid steel‑cut oats, they’re too coarse for this recipe).

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Exposure to air may cause them to dry out.
Freezer: You can freeze these bars for up to 6 months. For best results, freeze individually (wrapped) and defrost the night before you plan to eat one. No reheating needed—they’re ready straight from the fridge or thawed.

FAQs

What size is the pan used for this recipe?

An 8×8 inch (about 20×20 cm) glass baking pan (or a pan of similar size) is used to press the mixture into and chill.

Can I bake these instead of no‑bake?

This recipe is designed to be no‑bake, so it relies on chilling rather than baking. Baking would alter the texture and may dry them out, so chilling is recommended.

Can I use steel‑cut oats instead of rolled oats?

No — steel‑cut oats are too coarse and will not set properly in this no‑bake format. Stick to rolled oats (or quick oats) for best results.

If I’m vegan or avoiding whey protein, what can I use?

Use a plant‑based protein powder instead of whey. You may need to add 3–4 tablespoons extra milk to help bind the mixture when using plant‑based powder.

Can I leave out the protein powder entirely?

Yes—if you prefer no added protein powder, increase the oats slightly (about ½ cup more) and adjust the milk until you reach a sticky, moldable consistency.

What milk can I use?

Any milk will work—dairy or non‑dairy (almond, oat, soy, etc.). Choose your favorite based on flavor and dietary preference.

Are these gluten‑free?

They can be—but you must use certified gluten‑free rolled oats to ensure no cross‑contamination. Regular oats may not be fully gluten‑free due to processing.

How chewy or firm are the bars?

These bars are chewy and slightly firm (thanks to chilling) but still easy to bite. If you prefer a softer texture, you can reduce the chilling time slightly. If too soft, chill a bit longer.

How sweet are these bars?

They have a moderate sweetness from the honey and raisins—not overly sweet. You can adjust to taste: use a little less honey for less sweetness or add chocolate chips if you want more indulgence.

Can I add additional mix‑ins like nuts or chocolate?

Absolutely. Mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chopped nuts or seeds all work well. Just be mindful if you change quantities significantly, you may need to adjust binding (oats/milk) so the mixture holds together.

Conclusion

These no‑bake oatmeal raisin bars are a quick, nutritious snack that ticks all the boxes—minimal prep, wholesome ingredients, balanced macros and flexible for swaps. Whether you’re prepping snacks for the week, want a post‑workout bite or simply crave something chewy and satisfying without turning on the oven, this recipe has you covered. Give it a go, experiment with your favourite mix‑ins, and enjoy the simplicity of a tasty, homemade bar.