Davy Crockett’s Cousin Bars: A Taste of Frontier Comfort

The aroma alone transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, a warm and inviting space filled with the comforting scent of cinnamon and baked goods. Every holiday season, a large pan of these irresistible oatmeal raisin bars would grace her table. She always called them “Davy Crockett’s Cousin Bars,” a whimsical name that conjured images of frontier adventures and hearty home cooking. It wasn’t until I started baking them myself that I truly appreciated the simple perfection of this recipe – chewy, packed with flavor, and utterly addictive. It’s a timeless classic, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 30
• Yield: 1 pan of bars
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour (I sometimes substitute up to 1/2 cup of this with wheat germ)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon clove
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 cups oats (not instant)
• 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan

Instructions

1. Optional raisin plump: If you prefer plump, moist raisins, place the raisins in a small dish and cover them with very hot water. Microwave on high for a minute or two. Drain well before adding to the recipe.

2. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour (and wheat germ, if using), sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and clove. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for proper leavening and flavor.

4. Add brown sugar, oats, and walnuts: Stir in the brown sugar, oats, and coarsely chopped walnuts into the dry ingredients. Make sure the brown sugar is well incorporated to avoid clumps.

5. Combine wet ingredients: In a smaller bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the drained (or dry) raisins. Whisk until well combined.

6. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough bars.

7. Press into pan: Press the mixture evenly into an ungreased 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan. A slightly damp spatula or your fingertips can help to smooth the surface.

8. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center should be set but still slightly soft.

9. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles. This prevents them from crumbling.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Wheat Germ Boost: Substituting up to 1/2 cup of the flour with wheat germ adds a nutty flavor and a nutritional boost. It also enhances the chewy texture of the bars.
• Nut Variety: Feel free to experiment with different nuts. Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would be delicious alternatives to walnuts.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of cinnamon and clove to your preference. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice would also be a lovely addition.
• Doneness Check: To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. It should come out with moist crumbs attached, not completely clean.
• Pan Prep: While the recipe calls for an ungreased pan, lining the pan with parchment paper makes removal and cleanup a breeze. Simply lift the cooled bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
• Salted Butter Option: For richer flavor, melt a cup of salted butter and let cool slightly before adding it instead of the vegetable oil.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Davy Crockett’s Cousin Bars are perfect served as a snack, dessert, or even as part of a packed lunch. Serve them at room temperature, either plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat frozen bars, thaw them at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave them for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	201.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	95 g	47%
Total Fat	10.6 g	16%
Saturated Fat	1.4 g	6%
Cholesterol	14.1 mg	4%
Sodium	140.2 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	25 g	8%
Dietary Fiber	1.2 g	5%
Sugars	13.5 g	54%
Protein	2.9 g	5%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum to provide structure.
• Dairy-Free: Ensure your vegetable oil is plant-derived, and this recipe is naturally dairy-free!
• Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
• Nut-Free: Replace the walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
• Chocolate Chip Variation: Replace the raisins with chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Cranberry Orange: Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins and add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the wet ingredients.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
A: While you can use instant oats, rolled oats provide a chewier texture. If using instant oats, you may need to reduce the amount slightly to prevent the bars from becoming too dry.

Q: My bars are too crumbly. What did I do wrong?
A: Overmixing the dough or not using enough oil can cause crumbly bars. Ensure you are measuring ingredients accurately and mixing only until just combined.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are great for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q: How do I prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom?
A: Tossing the raisins with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the wet ingredients can help prevent them from sinking.

Q: My bars are burning on the edges but the center is still soft. What should I do?
A: Tent the pan with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the edges from burning. You can also lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees and bake for a few extra minutes.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Davy Crockett’s Cousin Bars recipe. It’s a simple yet satisfying treat that will quickly become a family favorite. Feel free to experiment with variations and substitutions to make it your own. And most importantly, share your creations and feedback! These bars are best enjoyed with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tastes them. Happy baking!