Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Highlighted under: Seasonal Dish Recipes
Delight in the festive flavors of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, a delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars combine the warmth of mulled wine spices with a chewy fruit base, making them an irresistible holiday treat. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, they bring a touch of festive cheer to any gathering.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A unique twist on traditional fruit bars with mulled wine flavors
- Perfectly spiced for the holiday season
- Easy to make and share with loved ones
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are the ultimate way to embrace the festive spirit of the season. These delightful bars combine the rich flavors of dried fruits with the warm, aromatic spices synonymous with mulled wine. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a unique twist on traditional fruit bars that will leave your guests craving more. With each bite, you’ll taste the essence of winter celebrations, making them a memorable addition to your dessert table.
Not only do these bars taste incredible, but they also provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase seasonal ingredients. The blend of dried fruits, spices, and honey not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a chewy texture that perfectly contrasts with the smooth chocolate topping. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or looking for a delightful gift, these bars are sure to impress.
Easy and Fun to Make
One of the best aspects of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars is how easy they are to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. The mixing process is a great activity to involve friends or family, making it a fun and festive project. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is nothing short of magical, instantly lifting your spirits and setting the mood for the season.
These bars can also be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones during the holidays. Simply bake them a day or two in advance, and store them in an airtight container. They make for an excellent snack or dessert option that can be served at any time, ready to bring warmth and joy to your celebrations.
Versatile and Customizable
Another reason to love Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars is their versatility. The base recipe allows for a variety of substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, you can swap in different dried fruits or nuts based on what you have on hand. If you're looking for a nut-free option, simply leave out the nuts, and you'll still enjoy a deliciously chewy texture. You can even adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar to suit your taste.
Additionally, the chocolate topping can be customized as well. While dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the spices and fruits, you might opt for white chocolate for a sweeter twist or even a dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option. This makes the recipe not only delicious but also adaptable for various dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon mulled wine spice blend (or to taste)
Mix the ingredients thoroughly and prepare for baking!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried mixed fruits, oats, flour, brown sugar, honey, melted butter, spices, salt, and nuts. Mix until well combined.
Pour into Pan
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Add Topping
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Melt the dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the top, then sprinkle with the mulled wine spice blend.
Cool and Cut
Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Enjoy your homemade Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars!
Storage Tips
To keep your Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply cut the bars into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to savor the festive flavors even after the holidays have passed.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bars, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick warm-up, enhancing the cozy flavors that make these bars so special.
Serving Suggestions
These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving experience by pairing them with warm beverages. Consider serving them alongside a cup of mulled wine or spiced cider to enhance the flavor profile and create a truly festive atmosphere. The combination of warm drinks and these chewy bars will evoke the essence of holiday gatherings and create lasting memories.
For a more indulgent treat, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side. The creamy texture of the ice cream perfectly complements the chewy bars, creating a delightful contrast. You can also sprinkle some extra spices or nuts on top of the ice cream for added flavor and presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried fruits?
Dried fruits work best for this recipe as they provide the right texture and sweetness.
→ How should I store the bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ What can I use instead of nuts?
You can omit the nuts or replace them with seeds if you have nut allergies.
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Delight in the festive flavors of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, a delicious treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Seasonal Dish Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon mulled wine spice blend (or to taste)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried mixed fruits, oats, flour, brown sugar, honey, melted butter, spices, salt, and nuts. Mix until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Melt the dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the top, then sprinkle with the mulled wine spice blend.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 3g