Spanish Bar
A moist, flavorful Spanish raisin bar with warm spices and nuts, perfect for teatime or dessert, offering a combination of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 17 x 12-inch cookie sheet.
- In a 2-quart pan, heat raisins, shortening, and water; bring to a boil without boiling over for 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and chopped nuts.
- While hot, add the raisin, shortening, and water mixture into the dry ingredients; blend well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar or spread with cream cheese frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try substituting half of the shortening with butter. You can also replace raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a different taste. Ensure the water mixture is cooled slightly before adding to the dry ingredients to avoid cooking the eggs. If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a spread of cream cheese frosting. Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a different take, try pairing with the Persimmon And Date Bar Cookie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm, ensuring they don't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Bar contains roughly 910 calories, with 10g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1236mg per serving (54% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider using a mix of both flours to maintain a lighter texture while adding the health benefits of whole grains.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but it should still be delicious.
What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
You can add shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or different nuts like walnuts or pecans for added flavor and texture. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also enhance the sweetness and chewiness of the bars.
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).