Raisin Spice Bars

There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and coffee filling the kitchen, it just screams comfort. That’s exactly what you get with these Raisin Spice Bars, a recipe I’ve been making for years, ever since my aunt handed it down to me on a tattered index card.

These bars are the perfect mix of cozy spice and just the right amount of sweetness, with plump raisins soaking up all that warm cinnamon-coffee goodness. And let’s not forget the optional nuts, they add the best little crunch if you’re into that (I always am).

What I love most about these bars is how easy they come together, no fancy techniques, no waiting around for dough to chill. Just mix, bake, and slather on that simple icing while they’re still warm. They’re the kind of treat that disappears fast at potlucks or makes a Tuesday afternoon feel a little more special. My kids beg for them after school, and honestly? I don’t blame them. The combination of flavors is just nostalgic enough to remind you of Grandma’s kitchen, but simple enough that you can whip them up any time the craving hits.

Trust me, once you try these Raisin Spice Bars, they’ll become your go-to when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert. The recipe’s stood the test of time in my family, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same in yours.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Raisin Spice Bars

Listen, I don’t just bake these Raisin Spice Bars because they’re delicious, though, trust me, they absolutely are. I make them because they’re the kind of recipe that makes life easier. Here’s why you’ll fall for them too:

• Quick as a wink: From mixing bowl to oven in under 15 minutes—no chilling, no fuss. Perfect for when you need something sweet now.
• That magic flavor combo: The cinnamon and coffee play off each other beautifully, with the raisins adding little bursts of sweetness. It’s cozy, but not overwhelming.
• Nuts or no nuts—your call: I’m team walnuts all the way, but these bars are just as good without them. Adaptable recipes are the best recipes.
• Crowd-pleaser alert: They travel well, they keep well, and they disappear fast at parties. I’ve never brought home leftovers.

Seriously, whether you’re baking for a bake sale or just treating yourself with coffee, these bars deliver every single time.

Ingredients for Raisin Spice Bars

Gather these simple ingredients, most are probably already in your pantry! The magic happens when they all come together.

• 1 cup raisins (soaked—trust me, this step matters)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the good stuff—none of that stale powder from last year)
• 3/4 cup hot black coffee (freshly brewed—leftover morning coffee works great)
• 2/3 cup shortening (room temperature—don’t skip softening it!)
• 1 cup brown sugar (pack it in like you mean it)
• 2 eggs (also room temp—cold eggs don’t play nice with shortening)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (no need to sift—we’re keeping this easy)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not powder—big difference!)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional—I love walnuts, but pecans are dreamy too)

For the Icing

This simple glaze takes two minutes and makes the bars irresistible.

• 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar (sifted—unless you enjoy lumpy icing)
• 3 tablespoons cream (or milk in a pinch—but cream gives that luscious texture)

See? Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients ready to transform into something amazing.

How to Make Raisin Spice Bars

Okay, let’s get baking! These Raisin Spice Bars come together like magic, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure they turn out perfect. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Just follow along, and soon your kitchen will smell like a cozy coffee shop.

Preparing the Raisin Mixture

First things first: grab those raisins and give them a little spa treatment. In a small bowl, combine the raisins with cinnamon and pour that hot coffee right over them. Let them soak for about 10 minutes; this plumps them up beautifully and infuses them with all that warm, spiced flavor. (I sometimes sneak a taste, it’s like a tiny raisin tea party!) When time’s up, drain them well, but save that coffee liquid; we’re using it in the batter later. You’ll notice the raisins have absorbed some of that cinnamon-coffee goodness; that’s exactly what we want.

Baking the Bars

While the raisins soak, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease that jelly roll pan. I use butter or baking spray, just make sure you get into all the corners. Now, let’s make the batter:

1. Cream the magic: In a large bowl, beat together the shortening and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2 minutes with a mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. You’ll see the mixture get pale and creamy—that’s when you know it’s ready.
2. Alternate adding dry and wet: In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Now, add about a third of the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, then half of the reserved coffee. Repeat, ending with the last of the flour. Don’t overmix—just until combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
3. Fold in the goodies: Gently stir in those plump raisins and nuts (if using) until they’re evenly distributed. Then, spread the batter into your prepared pan—an offset spatula works great here. Get it as even as you can so the bars bake uniformly.

Bake for 15 minutes, no peeking until at least the 12-minute mark! They’re done when the edges pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick comes out clean. (They’ll keep cooking a bit as they cool, so don’t overbake.)

Making the Icing

While the bars cool slightly (about 10 minutes, warm but not hot), whisk together the powdered sugar and cream until smooth. Want it thicker? Add more sugar. Thinner? More cream. Drizzle or spread it over the warm bars, it’ll soak in just enough to make them extra tender. Let the icing set before cutting into 36 perfect little squares. (Though I won’t judge if you sneak a corner piece first… quality control, right?)

And that’s it! You’ve just made the easiest, most comforting Raisin Spice Bars. Now try not to eat them all in one sitting, I dare you.

Tips for Perfect Raisin Spice Bars

After making these bars more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. Here’s how to guarantee bakery-worthy results every single time:

• Room temp is your friend: Cold eggs and shortening don’t blend well—take them out at least 30 minutes before baking. Your batter will be smoother and fluffier.
• Chop those nuts small: Big chunks sink to the bottom—I aim for pea-sized pieces so every bite gets a little crunch.
• Patience with the icing: Let the bars cool for 10 minutes before glazing. Too hot, and your icing will melt right off; too cold, and it won’t soak in that lovely bit.
• Spread batter evenly: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get into all the corners. Uneven batter means uneven baking.
• Watch the clock: Set a timer for 12 minutes to check—these bars go from perfect to overdone fast!

Follow these simple tips, and you’ll be the raisin spice bar hero of your next gathering. Promise!

Variations of Raisin Spice Bars

One of my favorite things about this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for creativity! Here are some fun twists I’ve tried when I want to mix things up:

• Berry swap: Not a raisin fan? Dried cranberries or chopped dates work beautifully—just soak them the same way. The tartness plays off the spices so well.
• Zesty icing: Stir a teaspoon of orange zest into the glaze for a bright citrus kick. (Lemon works too if you want something more subtle.)
• Coffee upgrade: Use strongly brewed espresso instead of regular coffee—it gives the bars an extra rich, deep flavor that coffee lovers adore.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice along with the cinnamon for more complex warmth.

The best part? You can make them slightly different every time and they’ll always taste amazing!

Serving and Storing Raisin Spice Bars

Oh, the joy of slicing into these beauties! Once they’ve cooled and the icing has set (try to wait at least 20 minutes, I know, it’s hard), cut them into 36 neat squares. A sharp knife wiped clean between cuts gives you those perfect edges. These bars are fantastic at room temperature, but honestly? I love them slightly warmed with a cup of tea, the icing gets all melty and dreamy.

For storage, just pop them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, if they last that long! The icing might soften a bit over time, but that just makes them extra tender. No fridge needed, the sugar keeps them happy at room temp. And if you’re feeling fancy, a quick sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving makes them look extra special.

Nutritional Information for Raisin Spice Bars

Okay, let’s talk numbers, because I know some of you like to keep track (and others prefer to blissfully ignore this part while reaching for a second bar). Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious square:

• Calories: About 120 per bar—not bad for something that tastes this indulgent!
• Sugar: 12g (mostly from the raisins and brown sugar—nature’s candy, right?)
• Protein: 2g (thank you, eggs and nuts!)
• Fat: 5g (that shortening gives them that perfect tender crumb)
• Carbs: 18g (worth every bite if you ask me)

Important note: These values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your exact numbers might dance around a bit depending on your specific raisins, nuts, or whether you go heavy-handed with the icing (no judgment here).

Personally? I think these bars strike a nice balance, satisfyingly sweet but not gut-busting. And let’s be real: when that cinnamon-coffee aroma hits your nose, nutrition labels suddenly matter a whole lot less!

FAQs About Raisin Spice Bars

I get asked about these bars all the time, here are the questions that pop up most often, along with my tried-and-true answers:

Can I leave out the coffee?
Technically yes, hot water works, but the coffee adds that deep, rich flavor that makes these bars special. If caffeine worries you, decaf works perfectly! The coffee isn’t just for liquid, it’s part of the magic.

Why do my raisins sink to the bottom?
Ah, the classic raisin sink! Make sure to drain them well after soaking, and toss them with a teaspoon of flour before folding into the batter. That little coating helps them stay suspended. (And really, even if they sink? Still delicious.)

Can I make these bars ahead?
Absolutely! They actually taste better on day two as the flavors meld. Bake them, cool completely, then store un-iced in an airtight container. Add the glaze just before serving, it takes two minutes!

My icing is too runny, help!
Easy fix: add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it’s your perfect consistency. Too thick? A few drops of cream or milk will smooth it right out. Icing is forgiving, just tweak as you go.

No jelly roll pan, what can I use instead?
A 9×13″ pan works in a pinch, just bake 5 minutes longer and cut into slightly thicker bars. The edges might be chewier (which, honestly, some of us prefer!).

Got more questions? Just ask, I’ve probably tested every variation imaginable with these easy dessert bars!

Share Your Raisin Spice Bars Experience

You know what makes baking even more fun? Hearing how these Raisin Spice Bars turn out in your kitchen! Did you go wild with the nuts? Maybe you tried that orange zest trick in the icing? I want to hear all about it, the triumphs, the happy accidents, even the “oops” moments (we’ve all had em).

This recipe has been part of my family’s story for years, and now I’d love for it to become part of yours too. Snap a photo of your bars and tag me @recipesbycharlotte, rustic icing swirls and all, or tell me how your crew reacted when they took that first bite. Did your picky eater sneak seconds? Did your coworkers beg for the recipe at the office potluck?

Every time someone makes these bars, they put their own little spin on them, and that’s what keeps this recipe alive. So grab a bar, pour yourself some coffee, and let’s chat about your baking adventure. After all, the best recipes are the ones we share, both the ingredients and the stories that come with them.

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