Raisin Bars Recipe
These old-fashioned bars have the best flavor; the combination of soft raisins and spices with the tender cookie is really wonderful.
COST PER BAR ► 14¢
YIELDS ► 48 bars
- 1½ cups dark raisins
- 1½ cups water
- ¾ cup margarine
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup milk, divided
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray a 10″ × 15″ jelly roll pan with baking spray containing flour and set aside.
In large saucepan, combine raisins with water and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in margarine, sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, and ¼ cup milk; stir until margarine is melted.
Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla and beat well.
Stir in flour, whole wheat flour, spices, salt, and baking soda and mix well. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake 20–35 minutes or until bars are light golden brown and spring back when lightly touched with finger. Let cool until warm.
While bars are still warm, combine powdered sugar, ¼ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in small bowl and beat until smooth.
Spoon and spread over warm bars. Let cool completely, then cut into squares.
Store covered at room temperature.
