Grandma'S Raisin Bars
Sweet, spiced raisin bars with warm cinnamon and aromatic spices, perfect for a nostalgic treat or afternoon snack, appealing to all ages with their hearty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine raisins and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in vegetable oil.
- Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
- Stir in sugar and a slightly beaten egg.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Beat the dry ingredients into the raisin mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until done.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars.
- Dust with confectioners sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans. If you prefer a less sweet bar, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without compromising the texture. For a fun twist, try incorporating dried cranberries or chopped dates alongside the raisins. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover seeds from making Mixed Vegetables Baked.
Serving Suggestions
These raisin bars make a delightful snack or dessert on their own. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete dessert spread, consider including Mrs. Salvo'S Cheese Biscuits and other American recipes to complement the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled raisin bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to preserve them longer, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 15 seconds or enjoy them straight from the freezer for a chilled treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Raisin Bars contains roughly 272 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits such as chopped apricots, cranberries, or even figs. Just ensure that the total amount of dried fruit remains the same to keep the balance of moisture and sweetness in the recipe.
What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
If you don't have vegetable oil on hand, you can use melted coconut oil or canola oil as a substitute. Both options will give a similar texture and flavor to the bars. Just make sure to let the coconut oil cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free raisin bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum, or add a small amount separately. This will help achieve a similar texture and prevent the bars from crumbling.
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).