Old-Fashioned Raisin Cake Bars

Soft, gently spiced, and filled with old-fashioned comfort, these raisin cake bars bring together the warmth of classic baking spices and the natural sweetness of raisins. Tender and moist with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re the kind of no-fuss treat that feels lovingly homemade. Ideal with a cup of tea, as a grab-and-go breakfast bite, or as a cozy dessert that feels like a hug.

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

💡 Helpful Tips

• Soak the raisins in warm water or tea for about 10 minutes to make them extra plump.
• Mix gently—overmixing can make the bars dense instead of tender.
• Using room-temperature ingredients helps create a smoother batter.

👩‍🍳 Directions

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

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

3. Make the Batter
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until incorporated.

Add the dry ingredients and milk alternately, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Stir just until combined, then gently fold in the drained raisins.

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

5. Add the Glaze (Optional)
Stir together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars before serving.