Save Your Sugar Bars
Sweet and hearty sugar bars packed with dried fruits, nuts, and a hint of vanilla, perfect for a wholesome snack or dessert for fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine sliced dates, raisins, and dried apricots or prunes with water in a saucepan.
- Cook until the fruit is soft and water is absorbed, then let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together margarine and beaten eggs.
- Add vanilla to the mixture.
- Stir in flour, soda, and salt until well combined.
- Fold in the cooled fruit mixture and nuts if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using honey or maple syrup instead of corn oil margarine. If you don't have prunes or apricots, other dried fruits like figs or cranberries work well. To ensure even baking, make sure your oven is at the right temperature before placing the bars in. For added texture, consider mixing in some oats or coconut.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar bars are delightful on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee, making them a perfect snack for afternoon gatherings. For a special treat, serve alongside Vienna Tarts for a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugar bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for a few seconds or place in a preheated oven for a short time until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Save Your Sugar Bars contains roughly 934 calories, with 11g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), potassium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% 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 these bars?
Absolutely! Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into squares and layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
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).