Raisin Cake Bars: Old-Fashioned Comfort in Every Bite

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper leaving overhang on the long sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Cloves (if using)

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with sour cream in two additions, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Raisins

Gently fold in raisins until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Spread in Pan

Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. It will be thick—use a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool

Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing and slicing.

Step 10: Glaze (Optional)

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bars.

Slice into squares and serve.

Pro-Tips for Bar Perfection

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