Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Highlighted under: Holiday & Seasonal Feasts
Indulge in the warm flavors of the season with these Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.
These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. Infused with the rich flavors of mulled wine, they offer a unique combination of spiced fruit and a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festive season, these bars are sure to become a new favorite!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Warm spices bring the essence of the holidays to life
- A blend of flavors that dances on your palate
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing
A Festive Treat for Every Occasion
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are more than just a dessert; they encapsulate the warmth and coziness of the holiday season. Perfect for gatherings, these bars offer a delightful blend of flavors that evoke memories of festive cheer and celebration. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these bars provide a sweet and comforting treat that everyone will love.
The fusion of spices and dried fruits in each bite creates a symphony of taste that is sure to impress your guests. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger fills the kitchen as you prepare these bars, setting the tone for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, their easy preparation means you can whip them up without much fuss, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
Healthier Indulgence
While indulging during the holidays is a delightful tradition, finding ways to incorporate healthier ingredients can make treats like Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars a guilt-free pleasure. Packed with rolled oats and mixed dried fruits, these bars offer a good source of fiber, making them a more nutritious option compared to many traditional desserts.
By using unsweetened dried fruits and adjusting the sugar content to your preference, you can easily customize these bars to fit your dietary needs. This means you can enjoy the flavors you love while still being mindful of your health, making them a perfect fit for everyone at your table.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once baked and glazed, these Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them, as the cool temperature can enhance the flavors even further. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
For an added touch, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate their indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite tea, making them a versatile treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mulled wine
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon mulled wine
Combine these ingredients to create a delicious treat that embodies the spirit of the season.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter and mulled wine until well combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruits.
Bake the Bars
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Glaze
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Mix the powdered sugar with the additional mulled wine and drizzle over the cooled bars.
Cut and Serve
Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Enjoy these delightful bars with a warm cup of mulled wine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried for these bars? While dried fruits add a unique texture and sweetness, you can experiment with fresh fruits; however, adjustments in baking time may be necessary to accommodate the extra moisture.
What type of mulled wine should I use? Any good-quality mulled wine will work well. If you prefer, you can also make your own by simmering red wine with spices and a bit of sugar for a more personalized flavor.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own signature flavor. Adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice can give a unique twist to the bars. Additionally, swapping out the dried fruits with your favorites, such as figs or dates, can provide a delightful surprise.
For a nutty flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the mixture. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit can be used, but it may change the texture and moisture level of the bars.
→ How should I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.
→ How can I make these less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar used or choose unsweetened dried fruits.
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Indulge in the warm flavors of the season with these Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for cozy gatherings and festive celebrations.
Created by: Olivia
Recipe Type: Holiday & Seasonal Feasts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup mulled wine
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon mulled wine
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
Stir in the melted butter and mulled wine until well combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruits.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Mix the powdered sugar with the additional mulled wine and drizzle over the cooled bars.
Once the glaze has set, cut the bars into squares and serve.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g