Oatmeal Raisin Bars - OH MY!

The first time I made these tasty bars, was when I volunteered in a college kitchen this past summer. 

A friend helped me mix up 4 X this recipe. 

Seriously...I was SO surprised at HOW MUCH I loved these bars.  They are moist and seem to have just the perfect amount of spices.  These are the BEST oatmeal raisin bar I've ever tasted. 

This recipe originally came from a Rachel Ray magazine. 

And of course, having cream cheese frosting puts them over the top. 

WAY wonderful!  Perfect for any potluck or just for your family to enjoy.

OATMEAL RAISIN BARS

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

1 c. brown sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. flour

1 c. old fashioned or quick cooking oatmeal

1 c. raisins

1/2 c. chopped walnuts (or your favorite)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt (omit if using salted butter)

Preheat oven to 375* and grease a 9" X 13" baking dish.  

In a large bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla. 

(You can use a mixer or mix by hand). In a medium bowl, combine flour, 

oats, raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.  Stir into butter mixture until well combined.  Spread into prepared pan and press into an even layer with floured fingers.  (It may seem there isn't enough dough to cover the bottom, but there will be). Bake 15 - 20 minutes, or until firm. Cool completely.  Frost with cream cheese frosting. 

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

4 ozs. cream cheese, softened

3 Tb. butter, 

1-1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

(May save nuts for sprinkling over the top).

If you like this recipe, you may also like this simple cake-mix based
Lazy Cookie Bar

Linked to Weekend Potluck