Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Highlighted under: Holiday & Occasion Recipes
Delight in the festive flavors of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars combine the rich flavors of mulled wine with a fruity sweetness, making them a perfect treat for the holiday season. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and watch them become a favorite at your gatherings!
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Warm, comforting spices that evoke holiday cheer
- Chewy texture with a delightful fruity burst
- Great for sharing or indulging yourself
A Taste of the Holidays
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are a delightful way to bring the essence of the holiday season into your kitchen. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates an inviting aroma that fills your home, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings or cozy evenings. Each bite transports you to a festive celebration, reminiscent of bustling Christmas markets and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones.
These bars are not just delicious; they also offer a unique twist on traditional holiday desserts. By incorporating mulled wine, you elevate the flavor profile, providing a depth that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of the oats and the sweetness of the dried fruits. Each bar encapsulates the spirit of the season, making them a perfect offering for holiday parties or as a thoughtful gift.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are a versatile treat. They’re easy to transport, making them a great choice for sharing with friends and family. The bars also hold up well, allowing you to prepare them in advance and simply dust with powdered sugar before serving, ensuring a fresh and inviting presentation.
These bars are not only delicious but also a healthier dessert option compared to many sugary holiday treats. With the inclusion of oats and dried fruits, you get a boost of fiber and nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. They’re perfect for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without overindulging.
Storage and Serving Tips
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 also freeze them. Simply wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
For serving, consider pairing your bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience. You can also garnish with additional dried fruits or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance their visual appeal and flavor. These simple touches can elevate your dessert spread, making them even more festive and inviting.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup mulled wine
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: extra dried fruits for garnish
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking powder.
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the melted butter, dried fruits, and mulled wine until well combined.
Bake the Bars
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Cut
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars warm or at room temperature!
Nutritional Benefits
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are not just a delicious dessert; they also come with a variety of nutritional benefits. The oats in the recipe provide a good source of whole grains, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. They are packed with fiber, helping to support digestive health and providing essential nutrients that your body needs, especially during the busy holiday season.
The dried fruits add natural sweetness and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Ingredients like cranberries and apricots provide antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress. Enjoying these bars can be a smart choice for those looking to balance indulgence with health, making it easier to enjoy the holiday treats without the extra guilt.
Customizing Your Bars
One of the best aspects of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars is their versatility. Feel free to customize the dried fruits based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Chopped dates, figs, or even a mix of tropical dried fruits can create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. This flexibility allows you to experiment and make the recipe your own.
You can also adjust the spices to suit your palate. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to the mix. Alternatively, if you enjoy a more subtle flavor, you can reduce the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg. The ability to modify the recipe makes it a delightful canvas for your creativity in the kitchen.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Fresh fruits can be used, but they may alter the texture and moisture content of the bars.
→ How do I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
→ What type of mulled wine should I use?
You can use any store-bought or homemade mulled wine that you enjoy. Just ensure it's well-spiced.
Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Delight in the festive flavors of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Holiday & Occasion Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup mulled wine
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Optional: extra dried fruits for garnish
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking powder.
Stir in the melted butter, dried fruits, and mulled wine until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 3g