Spicy Bars
Spicy Bars are flavorful, nutty treats with warm cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, perfect for snacking or dessert, suited for those who enjoy spicy, sweet baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring raisins and water to a boil in a saucepan.
- Add salad oil and allow to cool slightly.
- Stir in the beaten egg and sugar into the raisin mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the raisin mixture and mix well.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Spicy Bars, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter. For a nut-free version, substitute the chopped nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely. Ensure that the raisins are well-soaked before starting to achieve a moist texture. If you prefer a richer taste, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Bars are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an appealing finish. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a complete meal experience, serve them alongside a refreshing Congealed Potato Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spicy Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they will keep fresh for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold. They also make a great snack on the go!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Bars contains roughly 433 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 types of dried fruit instead of raisins?
Yes, you can substitute raisins with other dried fruits like chopped dates, apricots, or cranberries. Just make sure to adjust the moisture level if the fruits you're using are particularly dry or wet. This will help maintain the right consistency in your Spicy Bars.
What can I use if I run out of salad oil?
If you don't have salad oil, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil as a substitute. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in this recipe for keeping the bars moist.
How can I make these bars more festive for holidays?
To make your Spicy Bars more festive, consider adding chopped candied ginger or sprinkle some festive spices like cardamom or nutmeg into the batter. You can also top them with a cream cheese frosting for a sweeter treat or serve them alongside a rich 3-C Cake(Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake) for a delightful dessert platter.
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).