Grandma’s Fruit Bars Recipe
Description
This cherished recipe, passed down from my grandmother to my mother, results in delightful bars that are moist, spicy, and perfect for any occasion. While you can enhance these bars with a light drizzle of powdered sugar glaze, they are typically enjoyed plain, showcasing their rich flavors. They store well, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or gatherings.
Recipe Category
Bar Cookie
Keywords
Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Margarine | ½ cup |
| Cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Clove | ½ teaspoon |
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Pecans | 1 cup, chopped |
| Walnuts | 1 cup, chopped |
| Dates | 1 cup, chopped |
Nutritional Information (per bar)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 161.6 |
| Total Fat | 7.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 98.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23.6 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 13.9 g |
| Protein | 1.7 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.
-
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 10×15-inch jellyroll pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, and set it aside for later use.
-
Cook the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins, water, sugar, and shortening. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
-
Add Spices: Once boiling, incorporate the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the mixture. Stir well, then allow it to cool down to room temperature.
-
Sift Dry Ingredients: While the spice mixture cools, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl to combine these dry ingredients evenly.
-
Combine Mixtures: Once the spice mixture has cooled, add the sifted dry ingredients to it and stir until well combined.
-
Add Nuts and Dates: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, walnuts, and dates, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
-
Spread and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared jellyroll pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Serve: Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into 25 pieces, each measuring about 2×3 inches. These bars can be enjoyed plain or with a powdered sugar glaze, depending on your preference.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Grandma’s Fruit Bars, perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring as a sweet treat throughout the week!
