🍇 Raisin Cake Bars: The Old-Fashioned, Spiced Dessert That Tastes Like Grandma’s Kitchen!


 


For the Bars:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or DIY: 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • 1½ cups raisins (golden or dark)

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or buttermilk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

🌿 Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter + almond milk + vinegar for buttermilk substitute.

đź•’ Step-by-Step Instructions (Foolproof & Fragrant!)

1. Prep & Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  • Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan (or line with parchment)

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Cream Wet Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 min).
  • Add eggs and vanilla; mix until smooth.
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined.
  • Fold in raisins.

4. Bake Until Golden

  • Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely before glazing.

5. Add Glaze (Optional)

  • Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Drizzle over cooled bars. Let set 15 minutes before slicing.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Occasion
Perfect Pairing
Afternoon Tea
With Earl Grey or chamomile
Holiday Dessert Table
Alongside pumpkin bars and gingerbread
Weeknight Treat
Warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Potluck Favorite
Cut into petite squares for easy sharing

đź’ˇ Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

  • Plump the raisins: Soak in warm water or tea for 10 minutes, then drain—keeps bars extra moist!
  • Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined for tender crumb
  • Use room-temp ingredients: Ensures even mixing and rise
  • Make ahead: Bars stay fresh at room temp for 3 days or freeze beautifully
  • No glaze? Dust with powdered sugar or serve plain—still delicious!

❓ Common Questions Answered

Can I use dried cranberries or chopped dates?
Yes! Substitute 1:1 for a festive twist.

Why are my bars dry?
→ Overbaked or overmixed
→ Fix: Check at 25 minutes; mix gently.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use 1:1 GF flour blend (like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill).

❤️ Final Thought: Baking as an Act of Love

These Raisin Cake Bars aren’t just dessert—they’re a taste of memory, simplicity, and care.

In a world of complicated recipes, they remind us that the best treats are often the ones passed down through generations.

So grab those raisins, warm your oven, and fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nostalgia.

Your future self—fork in hand, smiling over a soft, spiced bite—will thank you.

🍂 Because the best desserts aren’t fancy—they’re familiar.

Loved this cozy classic?
👉 Pin it for your vintage baking board
👉 Share it with a fellow home baker or nostalgic soul
👉 Comment below: What’s your favorite old-fashioned dessert?

Prep: 15 min | Bake: 30 min | Serves: 24 bars