Quick Raisin Squares
Sweet and chewy raisin squares with a cinnamon-spiced flavor, perfect as a quick snack or dessert for those who enjoy fruity, comforting baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins, sugar, and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Add flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and salad oil to the cooled raisin mixture; stir until well combined.
- Pour the batter into an 8 x 8-inch greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar, or add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for texture. If you don't have salad oil, any neutral oil can work, such as canola or vegetable oil. To enhance the spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter. Ensure the raisins are plump by soaking them in warm water before use.
Serving Suggestions
These quick raisin squares make a delightful snack on their own or can be served as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with an Alcohol-Free Bloody Mary Mix for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve them alongside a light salad, such as Waldorf Salad, for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover raisin squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three 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.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Raisin Squares contains roughly 326 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 992mg per serving (43% 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?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like chopped dates, apricots, or cranberries. Just ensure that the fruit is chopped into similar-sized pieces for even distribution in the batter.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water or oil to loosen it up. Mixing in a bit more liquid will help achieve the desired consistency without affecting the overall flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make these raisin squares gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
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).