Raisin Nut Cake Bars
Sweet and spiced raisin nut cake bars feature warm cinnamon and allspice flavors, chewy raisins, and crunchy nuts, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins until soft; set aside.
- Sift together flour, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add brown sugar and mix in well.
- Add shortening and mix like pie dough.
- Add nuts and raisins; mix.
- Add sour milk and baking soda; mix together.
- Pour batter onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Cool the bars.
- Cut into bars.
- Optionally, sprinkle thin powdered sugar on while still warm before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, soak the raisins in warm water for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance their flavor. You can substitute walnuts or pecans for the nuts based on your preference. If you don't have sour milk, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes to curdle. This recipe is similar to the beloved Sand Tart Cookies in its comforting flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These cake bars are delightful on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside your favorite holiday desserts like Autumn Pumpkin Pie or Favorite Christmas Cookies at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Raisin Nut Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place bars in a microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they stay moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Nut Cake Bars contains roughly 856 calories, with 9g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 725mg 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 different types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that using whole wheat flour may result in a denser texture, while gluten-free options may require additional adjustments like increasing moisture or using a binding agent.
What can I do if the batter seems too dry?
If the batter feels too dry, you can add a little more sour milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure to mix well after each addition. You can also add an extra tablespoon of shortening to improve moisture levels.
How can I enhance the flavor of these bars?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a handful of chocolate chips into the batter. You could also experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to give it a unique twist, adding to the rich flavor profile of this recipe.
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).