Fruity Spice Bars

Fruity Spice Bars Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make!

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fruity Spice Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that are perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. Packed with dried fruit, oats, and warm spices, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

The origins of Fruity Spice Bars are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have been inspired by traditional fruitcake recipes. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of dried fruits and spices, making it a versatile and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

0.5 cup + 1 tsp flour
0.75 tsp apple pie spice
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp baking powder
0.75 oz (21 g) instant rolled oats
2 tbsp + 2 tsp margarine
2 eggs
1.5 oz (43 g) mixed dried fruit, sliced
0.25 cup dark raisins
1 tsp confectioner's sugar
0.25 cup + 2 tsp firmly packed brown sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a small mixing bowl, sift together the flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, and baking powder.
Add the oats and stir to combine; set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the brown sugar and margarine until thoroughly combined.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth.
Gradually beat in the sifted ingredients.
Fold in the dried fruit and raisins.
Spray an 8 x 8 x 2 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Pour the batter into the baking dish.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out dry.
Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool.
Dust the top with confectioner's sugar.
Cut into 8 equally sized bars.

Variations

Swap out the mixed dried fruit for your favorite combination of dried fruits, such as apricots, cranberries, or cherries.
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for extra crunch and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cream the brown sugar and margarine thoroughly to ensure a smooth and even texture.

- Folding in the dried fruit and raisins gently will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bars.

- Dusting the top with confectioner's sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the bars.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Fruity Spice Bars with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the Fruity Spice Bars at a lower temperature ensures that they cook evenly and develop a golden crust on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple pie spice, you can use a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

- Butter can be used in place of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Fruity Spice Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Fruity Spice Bars on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Fruity Spice Bars with a glass of cold milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a satisfying and balanced snack.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Fruity Spice Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fruity Spice Bars contains approximately 160 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fruity Spice Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fruity Spice Bars contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fruity Spice Bars contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fruity Spice Bars are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and fiber.

Alergens

Fruity Spice Bars contain wheat, eggs, and may contain traces of nuts.

Summary

Fruity Spice Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack option, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Fruity Spice Bars are a delightful and wholesome treat that is perfect for breakfast on the go or a midday pick-me-up. Packed with dried fruit, oats, and warm spices, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the sweet and spicy flavors of these bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and satisfying snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Fruity Spice Bars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create delicious dishes that would leave everyone in awe.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her work her magic, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from a drawer. It was filled with handwritten notes and dog-eared pages, a testament to the countless hours she had spent perfecting her craft. She turned to a page that was stained with splatters of flour and vanilla extract, and began to read aloud the recipe for Fruity Spice Bars.

As she read the ingredients – brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried fruit, and oats – my mouth began to water in anticipation. I had never heard of such a combination before, and I was eager to see how it would all come together. My grandmother explained that this recipe was a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation, and that she had learned it from her own grandmother many years ago.

She showed me how to measure out the ingredients, carefully mixing them together in a large bowl until they formed a sticky dough. Then, she pressed the dough into a greased baking pan, smoothing it out with the back of a spoon before popping it into the oven to bake. The sweet scent of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

When the timer finally dinged, my grandmother pulled the pan out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool. The bars were golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, with a chewy, fruity center that made my taste buds dance with delight. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one of those delicious Fruity Spice Bars.

As we sat down at the table to enjoy our creation, my grandmother told me the story of how she had first learned to make these bars. She said that her own grandmother, a wise and skilled cook, had taught her the recipe when she was just a young girl like me. They would spend hours in the kitchen together, mixing and measuring and laughing as they created delicious treats to share with their family.

My grandmother's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted those precious memories, and I could see the love and joy that went into every bite of those Fruity Spice Bars. She said that this recipe was more than just a list of ingredients – it was a connection to her past, a link to the generations of women who had come before her and who had passed down their knowledge and traditions through the simple act of cooking.

And as I savored the last crumb of my Fruity Spice Bar, I knew that I was part of that tradition now, that I would carry on the legacy of my grandmother and her grandmother before her. I had learned not just how to make a delicious dessert, but the importance of family, love, and the joy that comes from sharing a meal with the ones you hold dear.

So whenever I make these Fruity Spice Bars now, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of reverence for the women who came before me. And as I pass the recipe on to my own grandchildren one day, I hope that they too will feel the sense of wonder and connection that I felt when I first learned to make this delicious and beloved treat.