Spiced Raisin Walnut Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of Spiced Raisin Walnut Bars, a cherished recipe from my Step Father's sister's cookbook that showcases the natural sweetness of juicy raisins paired with warm spices. These bar cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon snack. The rich buttery base, complemented by the crunch of walnuts and aromatic spices, is sure to become a family favorite. The preparation includes a brief cooling period after boiling, ensuring a perfect texture and flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
raisins
1 cup (none)
cold water
1 cup (none)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted, cut into pieces)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
walnuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
cinnamon
1 tablespoon (ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of raisins, 1 cup of cold water, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground clove, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it gently boil for 3 minutes.
3
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 20 minutes.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
5
Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar into the cooled mixture, blending well until combined.
6
Spread the batter evenly into a greased 10x15-inch pan.
7
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to create the topping.
8
Crumble the topping mixture over the batter and press it down slightly to adhere.
9
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10
Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
20g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Raisin Walnut Bars?
Spiced Raisin Walnut Bars are a delicious bar cookie featuring a buttery base, juicy raisins, warm spices, and a crunchy walnut topping.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a cherished family recipe from the cookbook of the creator's Step Father's sister.
How do you prepare the raisin mixture?
Combine sugar, raisins, water, butter, and spices in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and let it boil gently for 3 minutes.
How long should the boiled mixture cool?
The mixture should cool for approximately 20 minutes before you stir in the remaining ingredients.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking these bars.
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a greased 10x15-inch pan to spread the batter evenly.
What spices are used in the raisin mixture?
The mixture is flavored with ground cinnamon, ground clove, and nutmeg.
What ingredients are in the walnut topping?
The topping consists of chopped walnuts, flour, melted butter, and ground cinnamon.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they reach a golden brown color.
Should I let the bars cool before cutting?
Yes, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.
How many calories are in one Spiced Raisin Walnut Bar?
Each bar contains approximately 133 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 6 grams of fat in each serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per bar?
Each bar contains 20 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these bars contain protein?
Yes, each bar provides 2 grams of protein.
What type of sugar is added to the cooled mixture?
You stir in 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar after the boiled mixture has cooled.
How much flour is used in the batter?
The main batter requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much flour is used for the topping?
The walnut topping requires an additional 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
What kind of butter is used for the base?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter cut into pieces for the boiled mixture.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to the batter.
How much baking soda and baking powder are needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
How do you apply the walnut topping?
Crumble the topping mixture over the batter and press it down slightly so it adheres before baking.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The 1/2 cup of walnuts should be chopped before being mixed into the topping.
Can these bars be served at parties?
Absolutely, they are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt in the initial boiled mixture.
How much cinnamon is used in total?
One teaspoon is used in the batter and one tablespoon is used in the topping.
What is the texture of the Spiced Raisin Walnut Bars?
They have a rich, buttery base complemented by the crunch of walnuts and juicy raisins.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
Yes, the 10x15-inch pan should be greased before spreading the batter.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed in the recipe instructions.
What type of water is used?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of cold water for the initial boiling step.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.