Spicy Fruit Bar
A spicy, fruity bar featuring raisins, dates, and apricots with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, perfect for snacking or dessert for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, water, oil, and raisins. Boil for 3 minutes and then set aside to cool.
- Add the dry ingredients to the cooled mixture, then incorporate the dates and apricots.
- Spread the mixture into an oiled 9-inch square pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 45 minutes; then cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a flavored oil. If you don't have Puritan oil, a light vegetable or canola oil works well. You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Make sure to sift the flour to ensure a light texture in your bars.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Fruit Bars make a delightful snack or a sweet treat after meals. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They pair beautifully with the Banana Nut Gelatin Salad for a refreshing contrast, making them ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Spicy Fruit Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Fruit Bar contains roughly 1006 calories, with 14g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 11g 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 fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit is not recommended for this recipe as it contains more moisture, which can affect the texture of the bars. Stick to dried fruits like raisins, dates, and apricots for the best results.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Spicy Fruit Bars, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, including the baking soda and any oils used.
Can I add nuts or other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture. You can also mix in other dried fruits like figs or prunes to customize the flavor to your liking.
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).