Welcome, my fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my most cherished recipes: Raisin Walnut Shortbread Bars. These bars are a sweet symphony of flavors and textures, combining the rich, buttery taste of shortbread with the sweet chewiness of raisins and the earthy crunch of walnuts. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’re in for a real treat! The shortbread bar, a classic dessert, originated in Scotland and has been loved worldwide for centuries. The addition of raisins and walnuts, though, takes this traditional treat to a whole new level. The raisins add a burst of sweetness, while the walnuts contribute a delightful crunch and richness. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can even sprinkle in some flaked coconut for an added tropical twist! What I love about this recipe is that it’s straightforward and accessible, even for baking beginners. The key is in the mixing—ensuring your margarine or butter is well incorporated into your flour and sugar will give you that perfect shortbread texture: crumbly, yet firm. And don’t worry if your dough looks a bit dry at first—it should! That’s what gives these bars their signature flaky texture. So, whether you’re looking for a new recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings, or you’re planning a dessert for your next family gathering, these Raisin Walnut Shortbread Bars are a fantastic choice. Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/8 tsp. baking soda
- 1 c. chopped walnuts
- 1 c. raisins
- 1/2 c. flaked coconut (optional)
Baking Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°.
- Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan. Combine flour and sugar.
- Using pastry blender or fork, cut in margarine until mixture resembles fine meal.
- Press into greased pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or just until edges are golden.
Calorie: 250
Total cooking time: 40 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Great Raisin Walnut Shortbread Bar Caper
I don’t know about you, but when I step into my kitchen, I like to imagine I’m stepping onto a stage. It’s not quite Broadway, but in my mind, it’s close enough. And today, ladies and gentlemen, our performance will be the tantalizing tale of the Raisin Walnut Shortbread Bars.
The Cast of Ingredients
The first step to any good performance is assembling a top-notch cast. For this culinary drama, we’ve got:
– **1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour** (our lead actor, versatile and reliable) – **1/2 c. sugar** (the sweet sidekick) – **1/2 c. butter or margarine** (the smooth operator) – **2 eggs** (the binding agents, they keep everything together) – **1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar** (the dark and mysterious character) – **1 tsp. vanilla** (our subtle, yet impactful flavor enhancer) – **1/8 tsp. baking soda** (the rising star, pun intended) – **1 c. chopped walnuts** (our crunchy supporting characters) – **1 c. raisins** (the chewy plot twists) – **1/2 c. flaked coconut** (our optional character, for a bit of tropical flair)
The Plot Thickens: Prepping and Baking
So, let’s dive into our plot! We heat our oven to a cozy 350°, a temperature as warm and inviting as a hug from grandma. Remember to lightly grease an 8-inch square pan. It’s like giving the pan a little spa treatment before it steps into the spotlight.
Once our stage is set, it’s time to combine our lead actor, flour, with its sweet sidekick, sugar. Now here’s where things get hands-on. We’re going to cut in the butter until it resembles a fine meal. Let me tell you, there’s something oddly satisfying about this part. It’s like making a sandcastle, but tastier.
Now, we press this mixture into our pampered pan. It needs some alone time in the oven, so let’s give it 20 minutes, or just until its edges start to blush a golden color. It’s a bit like a debutante, making its first appearance at the ball.
The Big Reveal: The Final Touches
As our shortbread is baking, we are not just standing around twiddling our thumbs. Oh no, we’re working on the next big surprise. Our plot twist comes in the form of the eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, baking soda, walnuts, raisins, and optional flaked coconut. This is where the real magic happens, folks. Every great story needs a good twist, right?
Curtain Call: Tasting and Sharing
Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the tasting! I always say, the proof of a good shortbread bar is in the eating, not in the making. And let me tell you, when you bite into these Raisin Walnut Shortbread Bars, it’s like the standing ovation at the end of a fantastic performance.
So there you have it, folks. Our culinary drama has come to an end. But remember, the show must go on. So, keep those aprons ready, keep those ovens preheated, and keep the kitchen stage lit. Until next time, happy cooking!
