Chewy Spice Bars
Chewy Spice Bars are flavorful, moist treats infused with warming spices and oatmeal, perfect for snacking or dessert, appealing to spice lovers and oatmeal enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon brandy extract ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 2 packets instant oatmeal with raisins and spice (1 1/2 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups sifted flour
- dash of salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 packets instant Quaker oatmeal (1 1/2 oz. each) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and spread the mixture evenly in a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For chewier bars, be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. If you don't have brandy extract, vanilla extract works well too. Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. These bars are inspired by classic American recipes and are perfect for a cozy gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the bars into squares and serve them warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Enjoy these alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or serve them at your next gathering with Tucker'S Spinach Dip for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chewy Spice Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, chewy texture, or enjoy them cold as a delightful snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewy Spice Bars contains roughly 460 calories, with 12g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2367mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
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 different flavors of instant oatmeal?
Yes, you can substitute other flavors of instant oatmeal based on your preference. Just ensure they complement the spices in the recipe. For example, apple cinnamon or maple oatmeal could add a delightful twist to the bars.
What should I do if the bars are too dry?
If your bars turn out too dry, ensure you didn't overbake them, as this can lead to a crumbly texture. You can also drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce or serve them with a scoop of ice cream to add moisture and enhance their flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to double the recipe, use a larger pan or bake in two separate pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may vary slightly depending on the size of the pan used.
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).