Maple Oatmeal Raisin Bars with Cinnamon Frosting

There’s something almost magical about the moment a pan of cinnamon-spiced oatmeal bars comes out of the oven—edges golden, center soft, the warm scent of maple drifting through the kitchen. It smells like home, doesn’t it? These Soft and Chewy Maple Oatmeal Raisin Bars with Cinnamon Frosting are the ultimate cozy treat, perfect for those times when you want something sweet, satisfying, and just a little nostalgic. They’re the kind of dessert that makes people pause mid-bite to say, “Wait… what is in this? It’s so good!”

This recipe has everything you love about a classic oatmeal cookie—chewy oats, sweet raisins, and warm spices—but it’s all packed into easy-to-make bars that bake up in less than 30 minutes. And let’s talk about that frosting for a minute. It’s a dreamy blend of maple syrup, cinnamon, and creamy richness that gets slathered generously over the cooled bars, adding a sweet, spiced finish that makes every bite downright addictive. If you love those maple-glazed cinnamon rolls at the bakery, this frosting is going to feel like dessert heaven.

What makes this recipe extra special for me is how it came together on a quiet fall afternoon when I wanted something homemade but low-effort. I had a few pantry staples—oats, raisins, cinnamon, and brown sugar—and a little leftover maple syrup from weekend pancakes. I started experimenting, and after a couple of tweaks, these bars became an instant family favorite. Now they’re a go-to for potlucks, cozy nights in, and last-minute dessert cravings. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to win hearts (and taste buds) wherever they go.

Why You’ll Love This Maple oatmeal raisin bars Recipe

There are so many reasons why this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques—just a mixing bowl, a spatula, and a 9×9 pan. If you can stir and spread, you can make these bars. They’re the perfect recipe for beginner bakers or anyone who just wants something delicious without a lot of fuss.

Next, let’s talk about flavor. The oats bring that classic chewy texture and nutty depth. The raisins add little bursts of sweetness in every bite, perfectly complementing the warm cinnamon and brown sugar. Then comes the maple—oh, the maple. It’s subtle but rich, adding a warm, caramel-like sweetness that lingers just enough to make you go back for another piece. The cinnamon frosting on top takes things to the next level, adding creamy richness and a little extra spice that brings the whole dessert together.

These bars are also incredibly versatile. They’re just sweet enough to serve as dessert, but not so rich that you couldn’t enjoy one as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or a glass of milk. They travel well, so they’re great for lunchboxes or road trips, and they’re always a hit at gatherings. And because they’re made with oats, they feel just a little more wholesome than your average treat.

If you’re the kind of person who loves recipes that taste like comfort, feel like a warm hug, and come together in a flash—this one’s for you. It’s the kind of treat you’ll make once and then find yourself craving again and again.

Health Benefits of these Maple oatmeal raisin bars

While these bars are undeniably a treat, they also come with a few wholesome perks that make them a bit more balanced than your typical dessert. First, the star ingredient—oats—are packed with fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which is known to help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. Quick-cooking oats, in particular, still retain much of their nutritional value and offer a hearty, satisfying texture that keeps you fuller for longer.

Raisins, the sweet gems nestled into every bite, bring their own benefits to the table. They’re naturally sweet, which means we don’t have to rely on too much added sugar, and they’re a good source of iron, potassium, and antioxidants. They also provide a touch of natural energy, making these bars a great pick-me-up for those mid-afternoon slumps.

Cinnamon not only adds flavor but has long been celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is a nice bonus when you’re indulging in a sweet treat. And let’s not forget maple syrup. While still a sugar, pure maple syrup contains trace minerals like zinc and manganese, which support immune health and metabolism. It’s a better alternative to some processed sweeteners, and it brings a more complex, natural flavor to the frosting.

Even the frosting—though decadent—gets a little lift from heavy cream, which adds richness and fat that helps with satiety. Of course, these bars are still a dessert, but when you choose quality ingredients and bake from scratch, you’re treating yourself to something more nourishing than a store-bought snack loaded with preservatives.

In moderation, these bars can absolutely be part of a balanced lifestyle. And when you consider the mental health benefits of baking something from scratch and sharing it with people you love, the goodness goes beyond just what’s on the plate.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Let’s break down exactly what you need to know before diving into the kitchen. One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 18–20 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes (before frosting)
• Total Time: Just over 1 hour, start to finish

Servings:
This recipe makes 9 generous squares or 12 smaller bars, depending on how you slice them. Perfect for sharing—or not sharing, if you’re in that kind of mood.

Nutritional Information (per bar, based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~285
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 3g

Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (especially for the frosting), but this gives a helpful estimate. For a slightly lighter version, you can cut back on the frosting or use a reduced-fat cream.

Ingredients List of these Maple oatmeal raisin bars

For the Bars:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the bars so they hold their shape.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Gives just enough lift so the bars are light but still dense.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm, cozy spice throughout.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives richness and helps create a tender texture.
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and that deep molasses sweetness.
• 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
• 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats – The base for that chewy texture.
• 3/4 cup raisins – Sweet and chewy, they’re the perfect contrast to the soft bars.

For the Frosting:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creamy and rich, this forms the base of the frosting.
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar – Makes the frosting smooth and sweet.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – Adds deep, caramel-like flavor with a hint of earthiness.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream – Gives the frosting its luxurious texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Echoes the spice in the bars for a cohesive flavor.
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon maple extract – Boosts the maple flavor if you want it extra bold.

Each ingredient in this recipe has a role to play, from the oats that keep things hearty and chewy to the maple syrup that gives the frosting its signature flair. If you’re missing one or two things, don’t worry—I’ll include some variations later in the article.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so you can lift the bars out easily once they’ve cooled. If you don’t have parchment, greasing the pan works too—just be generous with the butter or spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with pockets of cinnamon or uneven rising.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a larger bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. This step helps create the soft, chewy texture of the bars.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. At this point, your mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
Now, gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You can do this using a spatula or on the lowest setting of your mixer. Stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here—overmixing can lead to dense or tough bars, and we’re going for that soft, chewy bite.

Step 6: Stir in the Oats and Raisins
Next, fold in the quick-cooking oats and raisins. The batter will be thick and a little sticky, and that’s exactly what you want. Make sure the oats and raisins are well distributed so you get that chewy texture and a pop of sweetness in every bite.

Step 7: Spread the Dough in the Pan
Transfer the dough into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to press and spread it evenly into all corners of the pan. It helps to dampen the spatula slightly with water if the dough is sticking too much.

Step 8: Bake
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center should look set but still soft. You don’t want to overbake them, as they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Step 9: Cool Completely
This part is important—let the bars cool completely in the pan before you even think about frosting them. If the bars are still warm, the frosting will melt and slide right off. Set the pan on a wire rack and give it at least 30 minutes. You can speed things up a bit by placing the pan in the fridge once it’s slightly cooled.

Step 10: Make the Frosting
While the bars are cooling, it’s the perfect time to whip up that luscious cinnamon maple frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing slowly at first to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the maple syrup, cinnamon, and heavy cream. Beat everything together until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. If you’re using maple extract, add it here as well for an extra boost of maple flavor.

Step 11: Frost the Bars
Once the bars are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can go as thick or thin as you like—though I’m a “pile it on” kind of person. A small offset spatula works beautifully for this step, but a butter knife will do just fine too.

Step 12: Slice and Enjoy
Carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into 9 large bars or 12 smaller ones, depending on your preference. Serve right away or store them for later (more on that below).

How to Serve these Maple oatmeal raisin bars

These bars are the perfect balance of chewy, spiced, and sweet, so they’re pretty amazing all on their own. But depending on your mood or the occasion, there are so many delicious ways to serve them.

Serve them warm (just a few seconds in the microwave does the trick) with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on top. The cold creaminess of the ice cream melts into the soft, maple-frosted bar, creating a dessert that’s cozy and indulgent.

For a slightly more sophisticated dessert, drizzle them with a little extra maple syrup or a dusting of cinnamon just before serving. You could even top each bar with a candied pecan or walnut for a bit of crunch and flair.

At breakfast or brunch, these bars work wonderfully alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. They’ve got oats, after all, so they’re basically oatmeal in dessert form, right?

They’re also a great addition to a dessert platter or cookie tray during the holidays. Cut them into bite-sized squares for a festive, easy-to-share treat that everyone will love.

Pairing Suggestions for these Maple oatmeal raisin bars

Because these bars have such rich, warm flavors, they pair beautifully with drinks and sides that complement or contrast their sweetness.

If you’re serving them as a dessert, try pairing them with a spiced chai latte or a lightly sweetened matcha latte. The spice in the chai echoes the cinnamon in the bars, while the earthy flavor of matcha contrasts nicely with the maple and brown sugar.

For a cold beverage, a tall glass of milk or a chilled oat milk latte works beautifully. If you want something a little more dessert-y, try serving these bars with a maple iced coffee or a caramel cold brew.

You can also pair these bars with fruit—sliced apples or pears are especially good, as their crisp texture and subtle sweetness balance out the softness and richness of the bars.

If you’re putting together a brunch spread or dessert table, serve these bars alongside other baked goods like muffins or scones. Add a fruit salad or a citrusy green salad to round things out and cut through the sweetness.

And for an extra-special touch, serve the bars slightly warmed with a scoop of cinnamon or maple ice cream. It’s simple, elegant, and downright irresistible.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

These bars store beautifully, which makes them a great make-ahead option for gatherings or busy weeks. To keep them fresh and chewy, follow these simple tips.

To store at room temperature, place the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days.

If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about a week when stored in an airtight container. Just let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, or microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

To freeze, arrange the sliced bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until firm (about 1 to 2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

If you’re freezing them with frosting already applied, just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent smudging. The frosting holds up surprisingly well, even after freezing.

These bars are also a fantastic treat to make ahead and share. Wrap individual squares in wax paper or plastic wrap and tuck them into lunchboxes or picnic baskets. However you store or reheat them, the flavor holds strong and the texture stays tender—exactly how you want them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, a few small missteps can make a difference. Here’s what to watch out for to make sure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

1. Overmixing the batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, mix only until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough or dense instead of soft and chewy.

2. Using old oats or raisins: Since these are two of the main ingredients, you want them fresh. Raisins that have dried out will be too chewy and hard, while stale oats can taste flat.

3. Not cooling before frosting: It can be tempting to frost the bars right away, but patience is key. If the bars are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and lose its fluffy texture.

4. Overbaking the bars: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be lightly golden and the center should look set but still soft. Overbaking will lead to dry, crumbly bars.

5. Using imitation maple syrup: The flavor difference is real. Pure maple syrup has a depth and richness that imitation just can’t match. It’s worth the upgrade, especially in the frosting.

6. Cutting the bars too soon: Let the bars cool and the frosting set before slicing. Rushing this step can lead to messy slices and a gooey texture.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure your oatmeal bars are as perfect as they can be—soft, chewy, flavorful, and gorgeous enough to share.

Pro Tips

These pro tips will help take your Maple Oatmeal Raisin Bars from great to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking these for the first time or the tenth, a few small adjustments can make a big difference in the outcome.

Use room temperature ingredients:
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps everything blend more smoothly and evenly. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, creating that light, fluffy base you want for perfectly textured bars.

Toast your oats for extra flavor:
If you have a few extra minutes, try toasting the oats lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes before adding them to the batter. This brings out a nuttier flavor that deepens the richness of the bars.

Soak the raisins:
To keep your raisins soft and plump during baking, soak them in warm water (or even warm tea) for 10–15 minutes, then drain and pat dry before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from drying out or becoming too chewy in the oven.

Line your pan with parchment paper:
Not only does this make cleanup easier, but it also helps you lift the entire bar slab out of the pan for clean, even slicing once cooled. A small detail that makes a big difference.

Customize the sweetness:
If you prefer desserts on the less-sweet side, you can reduce the brown sugar in the batter to 2/3 cup and use a lighter hand with the frosting. The bars will still be flavorful and satisfying without being overly sweet.

Add texture with chopped nuts:
For a little crunch, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the oats and raisins. They add a nice contrast to the soft, chewy base and work beautifully with the maple and cinnamon flavors.

Use a serrated knife to slice the bars:
Once the frosting has set, a serrated knife will give you the cleanest cuts with minimal sticking or crumbling. Wipe the knife between cuts for picture-perfect squares.

These tips are especially handy if you’re planning to serve the bars for a special occasion or want to make a big impression with a small, easy-baked treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that rolled oats will give the bars a slightly heartier, chewier texture. If you prefer a smoother bite, stick with quick-cooking oats. If using rolled oats, you may want to pulse them briefly in a food processor to break them down a bit.

Can I substitute the raisins with something else?
Absolutely. If raisins aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them out. Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even mini chocolate chips all work beautifully. Just keep the volume the same (around 3/4 cup).

How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should look golden, and the center should be set but still soft. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t wait for it to come out completely clean—that’s a sign they’ve baked too long.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute in both the bars and the frosting. For the frosting, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or any thick non-dairy milk like oat or almond milk. The results will still be creamy and delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and certified gluten-free oats. Just be sure to check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time—start checking around the 22-minute mark. The same rules apply for cooling and frosting.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
They don’t have to be, but storing them in the fridge will keep them fresher longer, especially if you’re not eating them within a couple of days. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make them without the frosting?
You sure can. The bars are still delicious on their own, especially if you’re looking for something a bit less sweet. You might sprinkle the top with a little cinnamon sugar before baking for a simple finish.

How long will these bars keep?
At room temperature: 3–4 days in an airtight container. In the fridge: up to a week. In the freezer: up to 3 months. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, and they actually get better after sitting for a few hours. You can bake and frost them the day before, then cover and store them until ready to slice and serve. They hold up beautifully.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There’s something undeniably comforting about baking a batch of homemade oatmeal bars, especially when they’re packed with warm spices, sweet raisins, and topped with the most irresistible cinnamon maple frosting. These Soft and Chewy Maple Oatmeal Raisin Bars are the kind of dessert that feels like home. They’re easy enough for a weekday treat and special enough to serve to guests at your next gathering.

From their chewy texture to their sweet, spiced aroma, everything about these bars invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re baking them for your family, your friends, or just yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. And with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you don’t need a special occasion to whip these up.

So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the kind of homemade goodness that only something warm, soft, and maple-frosted can bring. You’ve got this. And when you make them, don’t forget to share the love—whether it’s a batch for the neighbors, a plate for the office, or a post on social media.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below with your feedback, your twists on the recipe, or your favorite way to enjoy them. And if you snap a photo, be sure to tag me so I can see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

Print