Best 6 Raisin Squares Italian Bakery Style Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the delectable goodness of Italian Bakery-Style Raisin Squares, a classic treat that combines the flavors of sweet raisins, a hint of cinnamon, and a tender crumb. These delightful squares are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a morning breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a special dessert. With their golden-brown crust and chewy interior, these raisin squares are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. This article presents a collection of recipes that offer variations on this timeless classic, allowing you to explore different flavor combinations and techniques. From the traditional recipe using simple ingredients to more elaborate versions featuring nuts, chocolate chips, and even a cream cheese filling, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the world of Italian Bakery-Style Raisin Squares, uncovering the secrets behind their irresistible charm.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

OLD FASHIONED RAISIN BARS



Old Fashioned Raisin Bars image

Old fashioned Raisin Bars - Let these moist, flavorful bites take you back in time!

Provided by Don't Sweat The Recipe

Categories     Brownies / Bars     Dessert

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup raisins
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. butter (melted)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
enough milk for spreading consistency desired

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Combine raisins and water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
  • Remove from heat, add butter; cool to lukewarm.
  • Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and salt together in a medium-size bowl.
  • Pour the raisin mixture in large mixing bowl; add sugar, egg and dry ingredients.
  • With an electric mixer, beat until thoroughly blended.
  • Pour into greased and floured sheet pan (15½x10½x1-inch) and bake about 25 minutes.
  • Cool.
  • To frost:
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the butter, vanilla, confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon at a time of milk to the desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 3 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Sodium 83 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 11 g, ServingSize 1 serving

RAISIN SQUARES ITALIAN BAKERY STYLE



Raisin Squares Italian Bakery Style image

This recipe comes from a local Italian bakery shop. They are made with raisin filling or canned apple pie filling also. Give them a try.

Provided by Dinglebop

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 45m

Yield 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup lard, room temperature
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 large whole egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
milk
flour, for rolling dough
3 cups boiling water
3 1/2 cups raisins, washed
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • Wash raisins.
  • Add to the boiling water on low heat in saucepot.
  • Add remaining filling ingredients, salt, sugar, flour, juice, and cook just until thick.
  • Remove from heat and let cool well.
  • Crust:.
  • Mix egg with vanilla and add enough cream or whole milk to make one cup of liquid.
  • Combine remaining ingredients flour, sugar, salt, and lard and lifting to air and rub to make a coarse pea size crumb.
  • Add in liquid and just combine to make a ball of pastry.
  • Divide pastry into two .
  • Dust a board with the flour for rolling and roll one section to fit a 17 x 14 sided ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Spread on cooled raisin filling, or canned apple filling.
  • Roll second half of dough, and place nicely on the top, sealing edges.
  • Prick all over top with a fork and brush with more cream.
  • Sprinkle with granulated fine or coarse sugar over evenly.
  • Bake 350° for 25 minutes until golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317.1, Fat 10.8, SaturatedFat 4.2, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 236.4, Carbohydrate 53.5, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 30.2, Protein 3.5

RAISIN SQUARES



Raisin Squares image

This recipe has been passed down through our family and is a favourite. The base and topping are of a shortbread consistency.

Provided by Nanna D

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 30m

Yield 16 squares, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 egg, beaten
1 3/4 cups raisins
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup boiling water

Steps:

  • Mix flour, baking powder and sugar; cut in butter as for pie pastry;
  • Add beaten egg.
  • Keep 1/2 the mixture to sprinkle on top and put remaining half in square cake pan and press down.
  • In a saucepan, mix raisins, flour, sugar and salt. Pour boiling water over all and cook over medium heat until thickened. Cool mixture to lukewarm.
  • Pour raisin mixture over the cooked mixture.
  • Sprinkle with reserved mixture and bake for 1/2 hour at 350.
  • Cut in squares while it is cooling.

SOUR CREAM RAISIN SQUARES



Sour Cream Raisin Squares image

My aunt shared this recipe with me, and my family has always enjoyed it. I love to make these bars for friends who visit or give them away as gifts.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
4 egg yolks
2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream
1-1/2 cups raisins
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture (mixture will be crumbly). , Set aside 2 cups; pat remaining crumbs into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Cool., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine filling ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 5-8 minutes. Pour over crust; sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake 15 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414 calories, Fat 19g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 104mg cholesterol, Sodium 262mg sodium, Carbohydrate 57g carbohydrate (36g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

RAISIN SQUARES



Raisin Squares image

This recipe has been in our family for years. It is a Christmas tradition.

Provided by Janice Casselman

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Cherry Dessert Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup rolled oats
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup raisins
½ cup flaked coconut
½ cup pitted sour cherries, drained with liquid reserved

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a medium bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, butter, 1/2 cup of flour and oats until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch square pan. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.
  • In the same bowl, mix together the eggs, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, salt, baking powder and vanilla until well blended. Stir in the raisins, coconut and cherries, adding a little bit of the cherry juice to keep it from becoming stiff. Spread over the baked crust in the pan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and lightly browned. Cool and cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 226.9 calories, Carbohydrate 36.4 g, Cholesterol 38.5 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 2.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 105.8 mg, Sugar 25.5 g

RAISIN BUTTER TART SQUARES



Raisin Butter Tart Squares image

Gooey, yummy sweet treat that's quick and easy to make!

Provided by Amanda

Categories     Desserts     Pies     Tarts     Butter Tart Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup raisins
1 cup hot water, or as needed
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, softened
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 cup brown sugar
⅓ cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Place raisins in a cup; pour in hot water to cover, and set aside to soak, about 5 minutes.
  • Place 1 1/2 cups flour in a large bowl; cut in 1/2 cup butter until crumbly. Stir 1/4 cup brown sugar into flour mixture; press mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven, leaving oven on.
  • Beat 1 cup brown sugar and 1/3 cup butter together until smooth; stir in egg, vanilla extract, and cream. Strain raisins; stir raisins and 1 tablespoon flour into butter mixture. Pour raisin mixture over crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until filling is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into squares, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.9 calories, Carbohydrate 33.4 g, Cholesterol 37.5 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.1 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 79.1 mg, Sugar 22.1 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help to create a tender, crumbly crust.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the squares tough.
  • Bake the squares until they are just set in the center. Overbaking will make them dry.
  • Let the squares cool completely before cutting them. This will help to prevent them from crumbling.
  • Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Raisin squares are a classic Italian bakery-style treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With their sweet, cinnamony flavor and tender, crumbly crust, raisin squares are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, give these raisin squares a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics