Raisins Bars(Diabetic)
Delicious raisin bars with warm spices, perfect for a healthy snack or dessert. Suitable for diabetics, these bars combine natural sweetness with aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring raisins, apple juice, and shortening to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the cooled raisin mixture until well combined.
- If desired, fold in chopped nuts.
- Spray an 8-inch square nonstick baking pan with cooking spray.
- Spread the dough evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 2-inch bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark raisins instead of regular ones. If you're looking to cut down on carbohydrates, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour. Make sure to check that your shortening is trans-fat free for a healthier option. When boiling the raisins, keep an eye on them to prevent sticking and burning.
Serving Suggestions
These raisin bars make a delightful snack or dessert on their own. For an added touch, serve with a dollop of low-fat yogurt or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with Grandma Kibler'S Apple Butter for a sweet and tangy contrast. Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes until they are soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisins Bars(Diabetic) contains roughly 113 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 864mg per serving (38% 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?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, or even chopped dates for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the sweetness as some fruits are sweeter than others, and adjust the apple juice accordingly.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, these raisin bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a few seconds.
How can I make these bars more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, you can add ground flaxseed or chia seeds into the batter. This will add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can provide more vitamins and minerals.
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).