Any Time Variety Bar
A delightful anytime treat featuring chocolate chips and nuts in a buttery, vanilla-flavored bar, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine and sugar together.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and self-rising flour; beat well.
- Spread the batter into an ungreased jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips and chopped nuts over the top and press them into the dough.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the chocolate chips with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture. If you don't have self-rising flour, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender bar.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are great on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a fun twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also make a wonderful addition to a potluck or picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Any Time Variety Bar contains roughly 1298 calories, with 16g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if you don't have self-rising flour. Just add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to 2 cups of all-purpose flour to achieve similar results.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help maintain the texture and rise of the bars while keeping them gluten-free.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! You can customize your bars by adding ingredients like shredded coconut, toffee bits, or different types of nuts. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins to around 1 cup to maintain the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).