Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars

Name: Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups dried mixed fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots); 1 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars, perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-02T17:10:03.038Z

These Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars combine the rich flavors of mulled wine with a delightful fruit base, making them an ideal treat for the holiday season. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these bars are sure to warm your heart and your taste buds.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Warm, spiced flavors reminiscent of holiday gatherings
Chewy texture with a delightful fruity finish
Easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family

      

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars capture the essence of the holiday season in every bite. With the warmth of spices and the sweetness of dried fruits, these bars evoke memories of festive gatherings and cozy evenings by the fireplace. They are not only delicious but also a delightful way to incorporate seasonal flavors into your baking repertoire.

These fruit bars are versatile enough to be served at a variety of occasions, from holiday parties to casual get-togethers. They can be enjoyed as a sweet snack or a dessert, making them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, they hold up well, so you can make them ahead of time and share them with friends and family.

Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor

Using simple, wholesome ingredients, Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars are easy to prepare yet packed with flavor. The combination of dried fruits like raisins and cranberries works harmoniously with the zesty orange juice and aromatic spices. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste but also for its ability to bring a comforting warmth that is synonymous with the holiday season.

The addition of rolled oats and all-purpose flour creates a chewy texture that complements the fruity base beautifully. Whether you choose to include nuts or not, every bite is satisfying and fulfilling. This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of mulled wine without the alcohol, making it suitable for all ages.

Baking Tips for Perfect Bars

To achieve the best results, be sure to allow the fruit mixture to cool before combining it with the dry ingredients. This not only helps to maintain the integrity of the bars but also ensures that the melted butter blends evenly for a delightful texture. Additionally, greasing your baking dish well will prevent sticking and make cutting the bars much easier once they’ve cooled.

When baking the bars, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don’t over-bake. A perfectly baked bar will have a golden-brown top and will be firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely before slicing them into squares or rectangles for easy serving.

Ingredients

For the Fruit Base

2 cups dried mixed fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spiced Mixture

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Bars

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix all ingredients well and prepare to bake.

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit Mixture

In a saucepan, combine dried fruits, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes until the fruits are plump. Set aside to cool.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices. Mix well.

Combine the Mixtures

Add the cooled fruit mixture and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.

Bake the Bars

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool before cutting into bars.

Cut into squares and enjoy your delicious Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars!

Serving Suggestions

Spiced Mulled Wine Fruit Bars can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate for a truly cozy experience. They also make an excellent addition to a cheese platter, balancing savory flavors with their sweet, fruity notes.

For a festive touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and orange juice. This extra embellishment not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful sweetness that complements the spiced flavors.

Storage and Shelf Life

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or holiday baking. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, ensuring you have a delightful treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you made them, allowing you to savor the flavors of the season any time of year.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?

Fresh fruits can be used, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and possibly the sugar content.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.

→ What can I substitute for nuts?

You can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with seeds or coconut flakes for a nut-free version.