Indulge in the delightful chewiness of Golden Raisin Bars, a perfectly spiced treat that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. This recipe combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, brown sugar, and golden raisins with the rich buttery goodness of a soft bar base. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes and the option to add crunchy pecans or walnuts for an extra layer of texture, these bars are ideal for snacking, dessert, or even as a sweet addition to your brunch table. Baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes, they deliver a balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Plus, they store beautifully, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks. Whether served with coffee or packed as an on-the-go treat, these raisin-studded bars are irresistibly satisfying and sure to become a household favorite.
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Add the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, then whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the golden raisins and, if desired, the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Using the parchment overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Slice into 12 equal pieces.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Calories |
3274 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 149.0 g | 191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.9 g | 330% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 485 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 1838 mg | 80% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 484.9 g | 176% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.9 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 311.6 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 335 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 1922 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.