Kwik-Krumb Raisin Bars 🍪
Overview:
These Kwik-Krumb Raisin Bars are a delightful deviation from your typical bar cookie. Featuring a luscious oatmeal layer encasing a sweet and tangy raisin filling, this recipe hails from a cherished Pillsbury Bake-Off Cookbook from the 1980s. It’s perfect for those weeknight cravings or anytime you need a scrumptious treat straight from the oven. Let’s dive into making these delectable bars!
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 nine x thirteen pan
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 2 1/2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | 1 cup |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Old-Fashioned Oatmeal | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Flaked Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins and water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the raisins plump up.
- Drain the excess liquid.
- Stir in the applesauce, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon into the softened raisins mixture.
- Set aside while you prepare the oatmeal bar.
-
-
Prepare the Oatmeal Bar:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oatmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and flaked coconut.
- Cut in the unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. This can be done using a pastry cutter or your fingertips.
-
Assemble the Bars:
- Press 2 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan. This forms the base layer of your bars.
- Evenly spread the prepared raisin filling over the oatmeal crust. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts over the filling if desired for added crunch.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the raisin filling layer, and gently press down to secure.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the assembled pan into the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top turns light golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, carefully cut the bars into your desired size and shape using a sharp knife.
- Serve these Kwik-Krumb Raisin Bars as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack alongside your favorite hot beverage.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days to maintain their freshness.
These Kwik-Krumb Raisin Bars are sure to become a household favorite, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture in every bite. Enjoy the nostalgia of this timeless recipe brought to life in your kitchen!
