Fruity Spice Bars
Fruity Spice Bars are a delightful treat combining dried fruits and warm spices, perfect for snacking or dessert, appealing to those who love sweet, flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add instant rolled oats to the sifted mixture, stirring to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the dark brown sugar and margarine until well blended.
- Add eggs to the sugar and margarine mixture, beating until smooth.
- Stir in the diced mixed dried fruit and dark raisins.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Press the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into bars.
- Dust with confectioners sugar before serving if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter for a richer taste. If you don't have apple pie spice, a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg will work in a pinch. Ensure to sift your dry ingredients well to avoid lumps in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
These fruity spice bars are delightful on their own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread alongside dishes like Aunt Kitty'S Apple Cake or Mary'S Coffee Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruity spice bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, which will keep them fresh for up to three months. Thaw before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruity Spice Bars contains roughly 127 calories, with 1g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% 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 fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit can add moisture to the bars, which may affect the texture. If you prefer to use fresh fruit, consider reducing the other wet ingredients slightly or using a firmer fruit like apples or pears. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking.
What can I use instead of dark brown sugar?
If you don't have dark brown sugar, you can substitute it with light brown sugar or granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For a different flavor profile, coconut sugar can also be used, though it will give a slightly different texture and taste to the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done baking when they turn a golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time to prevent over-baking, which can dry them out.
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).