Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake Bars

Soft, gently spiced, and filled with old-fashioned comfort, these bars combine the warm taste of gingerbread-style spices with the natural sweetness of raisins. Moist and tender with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, they feel like a homemade treat straight from a family kitchen. They’re wonderful alongside a cup of tea, as a simple morning snack, or as a cozy dessert.

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Raisin Cake Bars

🧾 Ingredients (8×8-inch pan)

For the Bars

• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 cup (150 g) raisins (golden or dark)

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1–2 tsp milk or cream
• Pinch of cinnamon

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💡 Helpful Tips

• For softer raisins, soak them in warm water or tea for about 10 minutes, then drain well.
• Mix the batter gently to keep the bars tender.
• Using room-temperature ingredients helps create a smooth, evenly blended batter.

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk in alternating portions, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir just until combined, then gently fold in the raisins.

4. Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

5. Add the Glaze (Optional)
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars for a lightly sweet finishing touch.