Raisin Spice Bars always remind me of the warmth of my grandma’s treats. They pack bold flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. These snacks are easy to make and perfect for any day.
Contents
Raisin Spice Bars recipe
Raisin Spice Bars are a classic comfort dessert. They combine the sweetness of raisins with the warmth of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes allspice.
These bars feature a soft, cake-like texture. They’re commonly served as a snack, lunchbox treat, or paired with tea or coffee. Their simplicity and wholesome ingredients make them a family favorite, especially during fall and winter.
These bars can be served with fresh fruits or a creamy dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You can also add crunch with nuts like almonds or walnuts, or pair them with a smooth custard or pudding for a richer dessert experience.
For drinks, these treats go well with spiced apple cider or mulled cider. Hot coffee and various teas are also excellent options. For an adult option, whisky or bourbon complements the bars’ sweetness and spice.
Here’s how to make the Raisin Spice Bars:
Raisin Spice Bars
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, simmer raisins in water for about 5 minutes until plump. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins (with any remaining liquid) and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra moisture, replace water with orange juice when simmering raisins.
- Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tablespoon milk for a light drizzle on top.
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Here are some notable variations of these Raisin Spice Bars:
- Dietary Modifications
- Low-sugar Options cut brown sugar to 1/2 cup and add 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Gluten-Free Versions replace flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend
- Vegan Variations use plant butter and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
- Whole Grain Alternatives use 3/4 cup all-purpose and 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- Topping Ideas
- Caramel Drizzle is a unique change.
- Cream Cheese Frosting mixes 4oz cream cheese, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Streusel combines 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons cold butter; sprinkle on before baking
- Simple Glaze mixes 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
- Fruit Variations
- Cranberry-Orange replaces raisins with dried cranberries and adds 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Mixed Dried Fruit uses a blend of raisins, dried cherries, and chopped dried apricots
- Apple-Raisin Version adds 1/2 cup diced fresh apple along with the raisins
- Date-Raisin Addition replaces half the raisins with chopped dates
- Spice Variations
- Chai Spice Versions adds 1/4 teaspoon cardamom and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Pumpkin Spice replaces individual spices with 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
- Ginger Boost adds 2 tablespoons of finely chopped crystallized ginger
- Mocha Spice adds 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon instant espresso.