If you’ve ever flipped through an old church cookbook or a family recipe box, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled on a recipe for raisin bars.
Soft, chewy, and warmly spiced with cinnamon and cloves, these old-fashioned bars are the kind of simple dessert that still feels special — especially when served with a mug of coffee or a glass of milk.
This recipe has been in our family for generations and is exactly the kind of thing my grandmother would whip up on a quiet Saturday or for a neighbor who just needed a little pick-me-up.
These bars are moist, cake-like, and full of plump raisins, with a spiced brown sugar glaze that melts right into the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Old-Fashioned Raisin Bars are soft, moist, and full of cozy spice flavor, making them a comforting treat that feels homemade in the best way. With no mixer needed and simple pantry staples, they’re easy to throw together anytime.
They slice cleanly, pack well, and stay moist for days, so they’re perfect for sharing at bake sales, potlucks, or holiday tables. Think coffee cake meets spice cookie — nostalgic and delicious.
What You’ll Need
For the bars:
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: powdered sugar to thicken
Pro Tips
- Simmer raisins in water and butter — this step softens them and infuses flavor.
- Don’t overbake! The bars should be just set and slightly springy to the touch.
- Add glaze while warm so it melts slightly into the top.
- Let cool fully before slicing for clean, square bars.
- Store tightly wrapped to keep them soft and moist for several days.
Tools You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan for glaze
Substitutions & Variations
- No cloves? Use nutmeg or all cinnamon instead.
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans mix in beautifully.
- Frosting option: Swap glaze for a simple cream cheese frosting.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and egg replacer.
- Fruit twist: Swap half the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Make Ahead Tips
These bars can be made a day ahead, covered tightly, and left at room temperature.
In fact, the flavor gets even better as they sit. You can also freeze them — slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Instructions
1. Simmer Raisins
In a small saucepan, combine raisins, water, and butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
2. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the cooled raisin mixture and vanilla extract.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Add to wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Make the Glaze
While the bars bake, combine brown sugar, milk, butter, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. If too thin, whisk in powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time.
7. Glaze and Cool
Pour glaze over bars while warm. Spread gently. Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
Leftovers & Storage
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, layer bars with parchment in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Recipe FAQs
1. Do I need to soak the raisins?
Simmering in butter and water softens the raisins and gives the bars a rich texture — don’t skip it!
2. Can I use golden raisins?
Yes! They’re a little sweeter and add a nice variation in color and flavor.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Bake in two pans or a larger sheet pan, and adjust baking time as needed.
4. What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Let them cool fully and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
The Final Square
These Old-Fashioned Raisin Bars are sweet, spiced, and filled with the kind of simple comfort that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or just craving a nostalgic treat, they’re sure to bring warmth to your kitchen — and smiles around the table.
Try them today and let me know in the comments — did they taste just like Grandma’s?