Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Delight in the warm flavors of the season with these Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are a delightful blend of rich spices and sweet fruits, reminiscent of cozy winter evenings. Each bite brings the warmth of mulled wine, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Warm spices that evoke the essence of the holiday season
- Chewy texture with a burst of fruity goodness
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings
The Essence of Holiday Flavors
As the holiday season approaches, our senses become heightened with the comforting aromas of spices and fruits. These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars encapsulate that essence, bringing warmth and joy to every bite. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice creates a fragrant backdrop that perfectly complements the sweetness of the dried fruits. This recipe is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of the flavors that define the season.
In every square of these bars, you'll find a delightful blend of spices that evoke cozy evenings spent by the fire. The rich, chewy texture paired with fruity bursts makes them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table. Whether enjoyed with a warm drink or as a sweet snack, these bars are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent addition to holiday parties, potlucks, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Their unique flavor profile sets them apart from traditional desserts, making them a conversation starter among guests. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the festivities.
Not only are they delicious, but they are also packed with nutrients from the dried fruits and oats. This means you can indulge without the guilt, making them a perfect choice for a wholesome treat. Whether served as a dessert or an afternoon snack, these bars are sure to please everyone at the table.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. They also freeze beautifully, allowing you to enjoy them long after the holiday season has passed. Just wrap individual bars in parchment paper, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and pop them in the freezer for a quick sweet fix anytime.
Serve these bars plain for a simple treat, or elevate them by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They also pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of spiced tea or coffee, making them a delightful choice for brunch gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Combine all the ingredients thoroughly for the best results!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, and baking powder.
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter and honey until well combined. Fold in the dried mixed fruits.
Bake the Bars
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Topping
While the bars are baking, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl to create a glaze.
Cool and Glaze
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with the glaze before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars warm or at room temperature!
Tips for Perfect Bars
To achieve the perfect texture, make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients. This will ensure your bars remain chewy and moist rather than dense. Additionally, using a mix of dried fruits will add complexity to the flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorites, such as figs or dates.
Keep an eye on your oven while baking! Every oven can behave differently, so check your bars a few minutes before the suggested time. They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted should come out clean when they are done.
Variations to Try
If you want to switch things up, consider adding nuts for an extra crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a delightful contrast to the chewy bars, while also boosting their nutritional value. You could also drizzle a bit of dark chocolate on top for a rich finish that pairs beautifully with the spices.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. These variations will not compromise the deliciousness of the bars while accommodating different dietary needs.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Fresh fruits may add excess moisture, so it's best to stick with dried fruits for this recipe.
→ How should I store the bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
→ What drinks pair well with these bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of spiced tea or even a glass of mulled wine!
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Delight in the warm flavors of the season with these Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, salt, and baking powder.
Stir in the melted butter and honey until well combined. Fold in the dried mixed fruits.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the bars are baking, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl to create a glaze.
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Drizzle with the glaze before cutting into squares.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g