Old Fashioned Mincemeat Bars
Old Fashioned Mincemeat Bars offer a rich, spiced flavor with fruity and nutty notes, perfect for holiday gatherings or teatime treats that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and water (if using in place of mincemeat) and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in salad oil.
- Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm.
- Preheat oven and prepare the crust with the flour, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, sugar, egg, soda, nutmeg, and chopped nuts.
- Spread the cooled mincemeat mixture over the prepared crust.
- Bake until golden brown and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or a splash of brandy to the mincemeat mixture. If you don't have mincemeat, you can use 1 cup of raisins as a substitute, but be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly. Experiment with spices; adding a pinch of ginger can enhance the warmth of the bars. When preparing the crust, ensure the butter or shortening is at room temperature for better incorporation.
Serving Suggestions
These mincemeat bars are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. You can also serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving them with a side of spiced apple cider.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mincemeat bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Mincemeat Bars contains roughly 546 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg per serving (22% 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 freeze mincemeat bars?
Yes, you can freeze mincemeat bars! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat if desired.
What can I use instead of salad oil?
You can substitute salad oil with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter in equal amounts. Both options will provide a rich flavor to the bars. If you're looking for a lighter option, canola or vegetable oil will also work well.
Is there a way to make these bars gluten-free?
Certainly! To make gluten-free mincemeat bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free treat.
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).