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.
Here’s how to make the Raisin Spice Bars:
Raisin Spice Bars
Chewy Raisin Spice Bars are soft, warmly spiced treats packed with plump raisins. Perfect for snacks or dessert!
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 2gFat: 8gFiber: 1gSugar: 16g
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
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Pairing suggestions
Raisin Spice Bars go well with various drinks to enhance their flavor and texture. Here are some suggestions:
- Beverage
- Spiced Apple Cider adds a fruity and spicy element that pairs well with the bars.
- Hot Coffee is a classic pairing. The warm spices in the bars complement the rich flavor of coffee.
- Teas complement the spices in the bars.
- Mulled Cider with cinnamon and other spices matches the warm flavors of the bars.
- Whisky or Bourbon complements the spices and sweetness of the raisins.
- Food Pairings
- Fresh Fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the warm spices and sweetness of the bars.
- Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream provides a creamy contrast to the dense, spiced bars.
- Nuts like almonds or walnuts add crunch and texture.
- Custard or Pudding creates a great pair.
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 replaces 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, 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 add 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 replace 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.