Sour Cream And Raisin Bars
Sweet and tangy raisin bars with a creamy sour cream filling, perfect for snack time or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, rich baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook raisins with water until soft, then drain and cool.
- Set aside the cooled raisins.
- Cream together the sugar, oatmeal, flour, margarine, baking soda, and salt to make the crust batter.
- Press half of the batter into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 7 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sour cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Cook the egg mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add cooled raisins and vanilla extract to the sour cream mixture.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumbs over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 30 minutes until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider using chopped dried apricots instead of raisins. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half of the margarine with applesauce. Ensure to drain the raisins well to avoid excess moisture in the filling. For a twist, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the crust for added warmth. This recipe can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Sour Cream and Raisin Bars as a delightful dessert or snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a refreshing contrast, enjoy with a side of Geri'S Salad. These bars are perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, as they are easy to cut and share.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sour Cream And Raisin Bars contains roughly 762 calories, with 8g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (17% of the Daily Value), and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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 fresh raisins instead of dried?
Fresh raisins, or grapes, will not work for this recipe as they contain too much moisture. Dried raisins are essential for achieving the right texture and flavor in the bars. If you're looking for alternatives, you can try other dried fruits like cranberries or cherries.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute. It provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy consistency. Alternatively, you could use buttermilk, though you may need to adjust the liquid content slightly in the recipe.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The Sour Cream and Raisin Bars are done when they are golden brown on top and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-baking.
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).