By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on February 18, 2024 | Last Updated on February 18, 2024
As I walked into my grandmother’s kitchen, I was engulfed by the comforting aroma of cinnamon and spices. My eyes were drawn to a tray of beautifully baked old fashioned raisin bars, ready to be savored. These delightful treats hail from a bygone era, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings and cherished recipes handed down through generations.
Today, I want to share the story behind these timeless bars, their mouth-watering flavors, why this recipe works so well, and much more.
What are Old Fashioned Raisin Bars?
Old fashioned raisin bars are a classic dessert that combine the goodness of raisins, spices, and a delicious shortbread-like crust.
This simple yet delightful recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, holding a special place in the hearts and taste buds of those who enjoy it.
These bars offer a perfect balance of sweetness, spices, and moistness that transports you to a simpler time.
What Does It Taste Like?
The first bite of an old fashioned raisin bar offers a burst of flavors that instantly transport you to memories of homemade treats.
The sweet and plump raisins, complemented by a delicate blend of cinnamon, cloves, and allspice, add depth and warmth to the buttery crust.
Every bite is a delightful indulgence, bringing forth a symphony of textures and tastes that leave you craving more.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Moist and Chewy Texture: The inclusion of raisins soaked in warm water lends a moist and chewy texture to the bars. This ensures a delightful bite, keeping them from being too dry or crumbly.
2. Harmonious Spice Blend: The combination of ground cinnamon, allspice, and cloves creates a harmonious blend of flavors that elevate the taste of these bars. Each spice enhances the sweetness of the raisins without overpowering them.
3. Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The use of white granulated sugar, coupled with the natural sweetness of raisins, strikes a perfect balance. This ensures that the bars are not overly sweet and can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
4. Versatile Topping Options: The simple vanilla glaze made with melted butter, confectionery sugar, and a hint of vanilla essence adds a final touch of elegance to the bars. You can choose to spread it evenly or drizzle it over the top, allowing for customized presentation options.
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Ingredients for Old Fashioned Raisin Bars:
All-purpose flour: The offer a richer flavor profile and enhanced nutritional benefits compared to conventional flours. It forms the base of the bars, providing structure and texture to the crust.
Baking soda: Baking soda serves as a leavening agent, helping the crust rise slightly and providing a tender texture to the bars.
Salt: Salt enhances the flavors in the crust, balancing the sweetness and bringing out other taste nuances. Pink Himalayan salt might add trace minerals and a nuanced saltiness to the bars.
Cinnamon: Saigon cinnamon adds a warm and spicy flavor to the bars, complementing the sweetness of the raisins and other spices. Its freshness contributes to a more vibrant taste.
Ground cloves: These spices add depth and complexity to the bars’ flavor profile, complementing the sweetness of the raisins and providing warm and aromatic notes.
Raisins: Raisins are a key ingredient, providing bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture to the bars. They are a classic component of Old Fashioned Raisin Bars, imparting rich flavor and moisture.
Water: Water is used to hydrate the dough and create the crust’s consistency. High-quality water may contribute to a cleaner taste in the crust.
Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the crust, providing a buttery and tender texture.
Sugar: Sugar sweetens the crust and enhances its texture, providing the necessary sweetness to balance the flavors of the raisins and spices. Organic unrefined cane sugar might offer a more complex sweetness compared to refined sugars.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder in the crust, providing structure and moisture. It helps hold the ingredients together and contributes to the dough’s texture.
Freshly cracked nut assortment – pecans, walnuts, or almonds: These nuts, when cracked and added to the bars, offer a delightful crunch, nuttiness, and added texture to the overall bars.
Topping (melted butter, vanilla extract, confectionery sugar, and creamy almond milk): The topping ingredients combined create a sweet, creamy glaze that adds a finishing touch to the bars, providing a hint of maple or vanilla flavor and a smooth, drizzly texture.
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Raisin Filling
Start by combining the raisins and water in a small saucepan. Bring them to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. This process ensures the plumpness and tenderness of the raisins.
Step 2: Making the Dough
In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chopped nuts and the cooled raisin mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Baking the Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish, ensuring an even thickness throughout. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Adding the Topping
While the bars are cooling, prepare the vanilla glaze by mixing together melted butter, confectionery sugar, and vanilla essence. Add enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency or enough to make a thin drizzle, based on your preference. Once the bars have cooled, spread or drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes:
– Soak the raisins long enough to make them plump and juicy.
– Ensure the dough is evenly spread in the baking dish for consistent bars.
– Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the topping for optimal results.
– Experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to suit your taste preferences.
– To achieve a thicker glaze, use less milk, or add more for a thinner, drizzle-style topping.
Nutrition Information:
One serving of old-fashioned raisin bars contains approximately 225 calories, 16 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein.
How to Store the Leftovers?
To store the leftover raisin bars, ensure they are completely cooled. Cut them into desired portion sizes and place them in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life. However, warm them slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavors.
Sides for Old Fashioned Raisin Bars:
1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing the warm raisin bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, beautifully complementing the rich flavors of the bars.
3. Fresh Berries: Accompanying the raisin bars with a side of fresh berries introduces a burst of freshness and offsets the sweetness of the dessert.
4. Hot Coffee or Tea: Enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea alongside your raisin bar indulgence completes the experience, making it the perfect afternoon treat.
Alternative Choices to the Ingredients:
1. Whole Wheat Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, adding a nutty flavor to the bars.
2. Brown Sugar: Swap out the white granulated sugar with brown sugar to infuse a delightful molasses undertone into the bars.
3. Dried Cranberries: If you’re not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries serve as a delicious alternative, offering a tart and sweet flavor profile.
4. Coconut Oil: Substitute shortening with coconut oil for a healthier fat alternative that adds a subtle hint of tropical flavor.
Old Fashioned Raisin Bars Recipe
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or greasing agent for the baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
- Small bowl for soaking raisins
- Cutting Board
- Knife or tool for slicing bars
- Whisk or spoon for mixing ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts pecans or walnuts
- Topping for Raisin Bars:
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups confectionery sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla Enough milk to make spreadable or to make think enough to drizzle over raisin bars.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing The Raisin Filling
- Start by combining the raisins and water in a small saucepan. Bring them to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool. This process ensures the plumpness and tenderness of the raisins.
Step 2: Making The Dough
- In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chopped nuts and the cooled raisin mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 3: Baking The Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the dough evenly into the prepared dish, ensuring an even thickness throughout. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 4: Adding The Topping
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the vanilla glaze by mixing together melted butter, confectionery sugar, and vanilla essence. Add enough milk to reach a spreadable consistency or enough to make a thin drizzle, based on your preference. Once the bars have cooled, spread or drizzle the glaze over the top.
Notes
- – Soak the raisins long enough to make them plump and juicy.
- – Ensure the dough is evenly spread in the baking dish for consistent bars.
- – Allow the bars to cool completely before adding the topping for optimal results.
- – Experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to suit your taste preferences.
- – To achieve a thicker glaze, use less milk, or add more for a thinner, drizzle-style topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use a different fruit instead of raisins?
Absolutely! While raisins are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other dried fruits such as dried cherries, apricots, or currants to create a unique twist on this classic recipe.
2. Can I omit the nuts?
Certainly! If you have allergies or simply prefer nut-free options, feel free to exclude the nuts from the recipe. The bars will still be deliciously flavorful.
3. Can I freeze the raisin bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 2-3 months. Ensure they are properly sealed in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
4. Can I use margarine instead of shortening?
While margarine can be used as a substitute for shortening, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste of the bars. Shortening provides a unique flakiness that contributes to the overall charm of old fashioned raisin bars.
Conclusion:
Old fashioned raisin bars capture the essence of nostalgia, bringing back a simpler time with every delectable bite. These timeless treats, with their moist and chewy texture, harmonious blend of spices, and balanced sweetness, have proven to be a beloved dessert for generations.
Whether enjoyed as a family treat, at social gatherings, or during quiet moments of indulgence, these bars have a way of creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
So, dive into this delicious journey and experience the joy of old fashioned raisin bars for yourself.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
