Hermit Squares
Hermit Squares are rich, spiced fruit and nut bars with a chewy texture, perfect for holiday treats or tea-time snacking, appealing to those who enjoy warm, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sugar and oil in a bowl; mix.
- Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the sugar and oil mixture.
- Add milk, molasses, raisins, and chopped nuts; mix well.
- Spread the batter on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with sugar while hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, you can replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Experimenting with the spices can also yield interesting flavors; consider adding ginger or cardamom. If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the Hermit Squares into bars and serve them with a generous dollop of Yogurt Dessert Sauce for added creaminess. They make an excellent accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve alongside Rich Drop Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hermit Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving or reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hermit Squares contains roughly 337 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 7g 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 other dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like chopped dates, cranberries, or apricots. Just make sure to keep the total amount of fruit similar to one cup for the best texture and flavor balance.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make the Hermit Squares vegan by replacing the milk with a plant-based alternative, such as almond or soy milk, and using a vegetable oil that is suitable for baking. Additionally, ensure the molasses used is vegan-friendly.
How can I enhance the flavor of the Hermit Squares?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or orange zest to the batter. You could also increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly for a more robust spice profile, or even fold in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
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).