Name: No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ½ cup creamy almond butter (or peanut butter); ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan); ¼ cup raisins (packed); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of sea salt; Optional boost: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds

These no-bake oatmeal raisin bites are chewy, naturally sweet treats packed with wholesome rolled oats, nut butter, plump raisins, and warm cinnamon. Ready in minutes, they’re a nutritious, guilt-free dessert or energy-boosting snack that satisfies cookie cravings while delivering fiber, healthy fats, and protein for sustained energy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall head over heels for these little bites because they deliver all the nostalgic, comforting flavor of soft oatmeal raisin cookies—but in a much healthier, quicker package. There’s zero baking involved, so no hot kitchen or waiting for the oven.

They come together in one bowl with pantry staples, making them perfect for busy days when you want something sweet without the effort. Each bite is naturally sweetened, loaded with fiber-rich oats and heart-healthy nut butter, plus chewy raisins for that classic texture.

They’re portable, kid-approved, great for meal prep, and keep you full longer than traditional desserts. Whether you need a post-workout boost, afternoon pick-me-up, or healthier dessert option, these bites check every box—tasty, simple, wholesome, and downright addictive!

Yield: 24 bites

No-Bake Oatmeal Raisin Bites Recipe

Chewy, no-bake oatmeal raisin bites—healthy, naturally sweet, cookie-like energy snacks ready in minutes!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)
¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
¼ cup raisins (packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Optional boost: 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or chia seeds

Instructions

Grab a large mixing bowl and pour in those beautiful old-fashioned rolled oats—they’re going to be the cozy heart of our little bites!
Add the ground cinnamon and a generous pinch of sea salt right on top. That tiny bit of salt wakes up all the sweet and spicy flavors—trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Spoon in the creamy almond butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter). The smoother and runnier it is, the easier everything mixes—warm it for 10 seconds if it's super thick.
Drizzle in the honey (or maple syrup) and splash in the vanilla extract. These two bring the perfect natural sweetness and that classic cookie aroma—your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Toss in the plump, juicy raisins. They’re the star of the show, giving every bite that chewy, fruity surprise just like grandma’s oatmeal cookies.
If you want an extra nutrition boost, stir in the ground flaxseed or chia seeds now—they blend right in without changing the yummy taste.
Using a sturdy spoon or your clean hands (the most fun way!), mix everything together really well. Keep going until you have a thick, sticky dough that holds together when pressed. If it’s too crumbly, add 1 teaspoon more honey; too sticky, add 1 tablespoon oats.
Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes. Chilling firms everything up so rolling is a breeze—no more sticky hands disaster!
Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms into cute little balls. Make them as big or small as you like—kids love mini ones!
Arrange your perfect bites on a plate or in an airtight container. Enjoy one (or three!) right away, then store the rest for grab-and-go snacking bliss all week long!

Notes

These bites are naturally gluten-free (use certified GF oats), easily vegan-adaptable, and refined-sugar-free. They’re great for school lunches, road trips, or satisfying late-night sweet cravings guilt-free.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 88Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use a creamy, stirrable nut butter (not the dry bottom-of-the-jar kind) for the best binding texture—warm it slightly in the microwave if it’s too thick.
Chill the mixture for 20–30 minutes before rolling if it’s too sticky; this makes shaping much easier and prevents crumbling.
For perfectly uniform bites, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon measure.
Toast the oats lightly in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes first if you love extra nutty flavor (optional but delicious).
Roll in extra cinnamon-sugar, shredded coconut, or crushed nuts after shaping for a fancy finish.
If the mixture seems too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons more honey or nut butter; if too wet, sprinkle in extra oats.

Ingredients Notes:

Rolled oats form the hearty, chewy base and provide filling fiber—old-fashioned works best for texture (quick oats make it denser). Nut butter (almond or peanut) adds creaminess, protein, and healthy fats that help bind everything without refined sugar.

Honey or maple syrup brings natural sweetness and stickiness while keeping the recipe refined-sugar-free. Raisins deliver juicy bursts of sweetness and classic oatmeal-cookie character—use plump, fresh ones for maximum flavor.

Ground cinnamon gives that warm, cozy spice note that makes these taste like real cookies. Vanilla extract enhances all the flavors with a subtle depth. Optional add-ins like ground flaxseed or chia seeds boost nutrition (omega-3s, extra fiber, and protein) without changing the delicious taste. A tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness and makes every flavor pop.

Variations and Substitutions:

Make them nut-free by swapping almond/peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or tahini. For chocolate lovers, add ¼ cup mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs and reduce raisins slightly. Swap raisins for dried cranberries, chopped dates, or dried cherries for a tangy twist.

Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for fall vibes, or add a pinch of nutmeg and ginger. For extra protein, stir in ¼ cup vanilla protein powder (plant-based or whey) and add 1–2 teaspoons milk if needed. Go fully vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey. Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free oats.

For lower sugar, reduce sweetener by half and add mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness and moisture. Try adding shredded coconut or chopped walnuts/pecans for more texture and crunch.

Storage Options:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks—they actually get chewier and more flavorful after a day or two. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag; they keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 10–15 minutes or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer, chilled treat.