Flavors of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg make these raisin spice bars flavorful. The addition of applesauce makes these cake bars moist and delicious!
The brown sugar cream cheese frosting creates a creamy and smooth topping for this already delicious dessert.
Raisin Spice Bars
The old-fashioned raisin spice bars are thin with a cake texture. I make my cake bars in an 8x8 baking dish so that they are thicker and the bite is bigger!
You can make these in a 13x9 baking dish but it will result in a much thinner bar -but still delicious! The recipe stays the same but the baking time will be reduced by just a few minutes. So, make sure to keep an eye on the cake towards the end!
These raisin spice cake bars are perfect for the cooler seasons because they have the warm and comforting flavors of allspice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
The aroma is absolutely wonderful when baking these delicious bars - the smell and flavors are perfect for Fall!
RELATED: Pumpkin Streusel Coffee Cake
Moist Raisin Spice Bars
These raisin spice bars are incredibly moist thanks to the addition of applesauce. For this recipe, I use original applesauce but unsweetened or cinnamon applesauce can be substituted.
The applesauce creams the smooth and moist texture throughout this cake - you definitely don't want to leave it out!
RELATED: Pumpkin Gingerbread Cupcakes
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
These spice bars are topped with a creamy and flavorful brown butter cream cheese frosting. The butter and the brown sugar are first melted down in a small saucepan so that it breaks down the sugar and takes out any graininess.
It's important to allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes so that it doesn't melt the cream cheese and turn it into a liquid consistency. It's okay to add the mixture while it is still warm as it will assist in frosting the cooled cake bars
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Slicing Into Bars
I cut my bars into 16 squares to create small servings. I do this by cutting them 4x6. However, you can slice your bars into any size serving you wish!
A trick to cutting these bars with ease is to allow the bars to chill after frosting. Chill for about 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and you will get smoother cuts. Something else that helps me cut is my bench scraper tool, it helps create even cuts!
📖 Recipe
Raisin Spice Cake Bars
Ingredients
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese - softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter - softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line an 8x8 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar.
- Beat in the egg.
- Stir in the applesauce
- Combine the all-purpose flour, allspice, nutmeg, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Slowly beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Stir in the raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes.
- Check the center of the dish with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean before removing from the oven.
- Allow to completely cool before frosting.
Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a medium saucepan, melt together the butter and the brown sugar.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Beat the cream cheese into the brown sugar mixture and add in the vanilla.
- Frost the cooled cake and slice. *
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Mama Needs Cake
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Dana is an experienced recipe creator who crafts easy and delicious recipes for all levels of home cooks.
Her recipes range from classic comfort foods to healthy and nutritious meals, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to bring flavor and variety to the table.
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