Nut And Raisin Squares
Nut and raisin squares offer a delightful combination of sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, and warming ginger in a chewy, flavorful bar perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a shallow 9-inch square pan.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground ginger.
- Stir in raisins and chopped nuts.
- Cream shortening and brown sugar until well blended.
- Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Add vanilla extract and molasses; mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and nut mixture, blending until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cut into squares while still warm.
- Let cool in the pan before removing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Always sift your dry ingredients to ensure a light texture.
Serving Suggestions
These squares make a delightful snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat, or pair them with a cup of tea or coffee. For an added touch, drizzle with Very Good Soft White Icing or a simple glaze. They also pair well with Spinach On The Side for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Nut And Raisin Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut And Raisin Squares contains roughly 130 calories, with 1g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just ensure they are chopped evenly for consistent texture. Each type of nut will bring a unique flavor and crunch to the squares, making them your own special creation.
Is there a way to make these squares less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar or use unsweetened applesauce as a partial substitute for the molasses. You could also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness or incorporate unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking soda is gluten-free as well. This will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy these Nut And Raisin Squares without any issues.
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).