Here’s a simple and delicious Raisin Cake Bars recipe—soft, lightly spiced, and packed with sweet raisins. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast.
Ingredients (makes ~12 bars)
Dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120 ml) milk or buttermilk
Add-ins:
- 1 cup (150 g) raisins
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Add raisins (and nuts if using):
- Fold in raisins gently.
- Bake:
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and cut:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out using parchment paper. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips for Best Results
- Plump your raisins: Soak them in warm water or juice for 10 minutes before mixing to keep them moist.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over cooled bars for extra sweetness.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
If you want, I can also give a faster version with applesauce and less sugar that makes these bars extra moist and a bit healthier, without sacrificing flavor.
Do you want me to share that version too?
