Tangy Delight: Raisin Sour Cream Bars Recipe

Raisin Sour Cream Bars: A delightful combination of sweet and tangy, these bars offer a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, creamy filling studded with plump raisins, atop a buttery crust, creates a textural and flavor experience that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love These Raisin Sour Cream Bars

* **Perfect Balance of Flavors:** The tanginess of the sour cream beautifully complements the sweetness of the raisins and the buttery richness of the crust.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These bars are always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Versatile:** Adapt the recipe to your liking by adding nuts, spices, or other dried fruits.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Crust:

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4-5 tablespoons ice water

### For the Filling:

* 2 cups sour cream
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
* 1 cup raisins

## Equipment Needed

* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or food processor (optional, for the crust)
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Parchment paper (optional, for lining the pan)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Preparing the Crust

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing until the mixture reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to over-process; you want small pieces of butter to remain for a flaky crust.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will make the crust tough. The dough should be slightly moist but not sticky.
4. **Form the Dough:** Gently gather the dough into a ball. Flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust. You can chill it for longer, even overnight.
5. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars.
6. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides. You may need to patch any tears or thin spots with extra dough.
7. **Pre-bake the Crust:** Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

### Making the Filling

1. **Combine Sour Cream and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure all the sugar is dissolved.
2. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated into the sour cream mixture.
3. **Incorporate Flour, Vanilla, and Lemon Zest:** Add the flour, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. **Fold in Raisins:** Gently fold in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

### Assembling and Baking the Bars

1. **Pour Filling into Crust:** Pour the sour cream filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. **Bake the Bars:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. The center may still be slightly jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools. To test for doneness, gently shake the pan; the filling should be mostly set with only a slight wobble.
3. **Cool Completely:** Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the filling to set properly. If you try to cut the bars while they are still warm, the filling will be runny.
4. **Chill (Optional):** For even firmer bars, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before cutting. This will also enhance the flavors.
5. **Cut and Serve:** Once cooled and/or chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Raisin Sour Cream Bars

* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for a flaky crust. Make sure the butter is cold and cut into small cubes before adding it to the flour mixture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Crust:** Overmixing the crust will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Ice Water:** Ice water helps to keep the butter cold and prevents the gluten from developing too much.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust. Don’t skip this step!
* **Pre-bake the Crust:** Pre-baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
* **Don’t Overbake the Filling:** Overbaking the filling will make it dry and cracked. Bake until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
* **Cool Completely:** Cooling the bars completely is crucial for the filling to set properly. Be patient!
* **Add Lemon Zest:** A little lemon zest adds a bright, fresh flavor to the filling.
* **Soak the Raisins:** For extra plump and juicy raisins, soak them in warm water or rum for 30 minutes before adding them to the filling. Drain them well before using.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of sugar.
* **Add Nuts:** For added texture and flavor, add chopped nuts to the filling or sprinkle them on top of the bars before baking. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would all be delicious.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a warm, comforting flavor.

## Variations

* **Cranberry Sour Cream Bars:** Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins.
* **Blueberry Sour Cream Bars:** Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling.
* **Chocolate Chip Sour Cream Bars:** Add chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
* **Lemon Sour Cream Bars:** Omit the raisins and add more lemon zest for a tangy lemon flavor.
* **Apple Sour Cream Bars:** Add diced apples and cinnamon to the filling for an apple pie-inspired flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the bars as a dessert after a meal.
* Enjoy them as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Bring them to a potluck or party.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
* Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help them stay fresher for longer.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 250-300 per bar
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 7-9g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g

## Raisin Sour Cream Bars Recipe Card

**Yields:** 12-16 bars
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 40-50 minutes

### Ingredients:

**Crust:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4-5 tablespoons ice water

**Filling:**

* 2 cups sour cream
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
* 1 cup raisins

### Instructions:

**Crust:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together.
4. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan.
6. Roll out dough and press into the pan. Prick with a fork.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool slightly.

**Filling:**

1. In a large bowl, beat sour cream and sugar until smooth.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time.
3. Add flour, vanilla, and lemon zest (if using). Beat until combined.
4. Fold in raisins.

**Assembly:**

1. Pour filling over pre-baked crust.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
3. Cool completely in pan. Chill for 2 hours (optional).
4. Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your homemade Raisin Sour Cream Bars! They are a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of sour cream with the sweetness of raisins. The buttery crust provides a perfect base for the creamy filling, making these bars a truly irresistible dessert. This recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delightful bars that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or packing them in a lunchbox, these Raisin Sour Cream Bars are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to experiment with variations by adding nuts, spices, or other dried fruits to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

Baking these bars is not just about creating a delicious dessert; it’s also about creating memories. The aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, the joy of sharing them with loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating something from scratch – these are the moments that make baking so special. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and savor every bite of these homemade Raisin Sour Cream Bars. They are a testament to the simple pleasures of life and the joy of sharing good food with good company.

The versatility of these bars is another reason why they are so beloved. They can be served warm or cold, plain or with a dollop of whipped cream, and they are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy enough for anyone to master. The key is to follow the instructions carefully, use high-quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and variations. After all, baking is all about having fun and creating something delicious that you can be proud of.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these Tangy Delight: Raisin Sour Cream Bars that will surely impress your family and friends. Happy baking!