Vegan Baked Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars
These wholesome cookie bars combine the classic flavors of oatmeal raisin cookies in an easy bar form. Made with rolled oats, ground flaxseed, and natural almond butter, they're sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar for a satisfying treat. The bars bake to a golden brown with a slightly chewy texture that's perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Optional walnuts add extra crunch and richness. These bars are naturally plant-based and use oat flour instead of wheat flour, making them a nutritious alternative to traditional cookie bars that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons gluten free oat flour, finely ground
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup natural almond butter, creamy, unsalted
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or greased foil
- 2
Whisk together oats, oat flour, flaxseed, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl
- 3
Whisk together melted coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl
- 4
Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and stir with rubber spatula until well combined
- 5
Fold in raisins and walnuts if using
- 6
Press mixture evenly into prepared pan using rubber spatula to create tightly-packed layer
- 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top
- 8
Cool in pan for 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment and cool completely on rack for 1-2 hours
- 9
Cut into 16 bars before serving
Tips
Ensure homemade oat flour is very finely ground, not coarse, for best texture in the bars.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan to prevent crumbly bars that fall apart when cut.
Cool completely before cutting to allow bars to set properly and maintain their shape.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 2 days ahead and stored covered at room temperature.
Serve at room temperature as a snack, breakfast bar, or light dessert.
Common Mistakes
Don't underbake or bars will be too soft and fall apart when cut.
Avoid cutting before completely cool to prevent crumbly, broken bars.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without oat flour?
Yes, you can grind additional rolled oats in a food processor until very fine to make your own oat flour substitute.
How long will these bars keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 1 week for best quality.
Can I freeze these cookie bars?
Yes, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.