Grandma’s Irresistible Raisin Squares: A Timeless Treat
Raisin squares, those chewy, comforting morsels of goodness, evoke memories of cozy kitchens and the sweet aroma of baking that filled the air. They’re a classic treat, often passed down through generations, and for good reason. The combination of plump, juicy raisins, a warm spice blend, and a tender, slightly crumbly crust is simply irresistible. This recipe aims to recreate that nostalgic magic, offering a detailed guide to crafting perfect raisin squares every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these squares are surprisingly easy to make and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
## Why Raisin Squares Are So Beloved
Raisin squares occupy a special place in many hearts. Their appeal stems from several factors:
* **Simplicity:** They require minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, making them accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
* **Comfort:** The warm spices and chewy texture create a comforting and satisfying treat, perfect for a cozy afternoon or a sweet ending to a meal.
* **Nostalgia:** For many, raisin squares evoke fond memories of childhood and family gatherings, making them a nostalgic and cherished dessert.
* **Versatility:** They can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or even a breakfast treat. They also travel well, making them ideal for picnics and potlucks.
* **Raisin Goodness:** Raisins themselves bring a natural sweetness and a boost of fiber to the squares.
## The Ultimate Raisin Square Recipe
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure your raisin squares turn out perfectly every time. Prepare for a delightful baking experience that will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
**Yields:** Approximately 16-24 squares
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes
### Ingredients:
**For the Crust:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water
**For the Raisin Filling:**
* 3 cups raisins (golden or dark, or a mix)
* 1 ½ cups water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* Pinch of salt
### Equipment:
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Pastry blender or food processor (optional)
* Saucepan
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
### Instructions
**Part 1: Preparing the Crust**
The crust is the foundation of these delicious squares. It should be tender and slightly crumbly, providing the perfect contrast to the chewy raisin filling. You can make the crust by hand or use a food processor for a quicker method.
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 bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be cold to prevent it from melting and creating a tough crust. If using your fingertips, work quickly to minimize heat transfer.
3. **Add ice water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. The amount of water needed may vary depending on the humidity.
4. **Form the dough:** Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax, making the crust more tender and easier to roll out.
**Tips for a Perfect Crust:**
* **Keep everything cold:** Cold butter and ice water are essential for a tender crust. The cold prevents the butter from melting, which would create a greasy and tough crust.
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, making the crust more tender and easier to roll out. It also helps the butter to firm up, which will create a flakier crust.
**Part 2: Making the Raisin Filling**
The raisin filling is what gives these squares their signature flavor and chewy texture. It’s a simple mixture of raisins, sugar, spices, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
1. **Combine ingredients in a saucepan:** In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins, water, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Stir to combine.
2. **Cook the filling:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the raisins have plumped up and the filling has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Cool the filling:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the crust.
**Tips for a Delicious Filling:**
* **Use good quality raisins:** Choose plump, juicy raisins for the best flavor and texture. Golden raisins tend to be sweeter and lighter in flavor, while dark raisins have a richer, more intense flavor. You can use either type or a combination of both.
* **Adjust the sweetness:** Taste the filling and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Keep in mind that the raisins will contribute sweetness as well.
* **Don’t overcook the filling:** Overcooking the filling can make it too thick and sticky. Cook until the raisins are plump and the filling has thickened enough to hold its shape.
**Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Squares**
Now comes the fun part: assembling the squares and baking them to golden perfection.
1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. **Roll out the first crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled dough discs into a rectangle slightly larger than the baking pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan and press it into the bottom and up the sides.
3. **Pour in the filling:** Pour the cooled raisin filling evenly over the crust in the pan.
4. **Roll out the second crust:** Roll out the remaining dough disc into a rectangle similar to the first one. Carefully place it over the raisin filling, covering the entire surface. You can optionally cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. **Seal the edges:** Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal them. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
6. **Bake the squares:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Check the squares after about 20 minutes and cover them with foil if the crust is browning too quickly.
7. **Cool and cut:** Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the squares cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will prevent the filling from running.
**Tips for Perfect Squares:**
* **Roll out the dough evenly:** Try to roll out the dough to an even thickness to ensure that it bakes evenly.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry and tough crust. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
* **Let the squares cool completely:** Letting the squares cool completely before cutting them will prevent the filling from running and make them easier to handle.
## Variations and Additions
While this classic raisin square recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Add nuts:** Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be added to the filling for extra flavor and texture. Add about ½ cup of chopped nuts along with the raisins.
* **Use different spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
* **Add citrus zest:** Grated orange or lemon zest can add a bright and refreshing flavor to the filling. Add about 1 teaspoon of zest along with the other ingredients.
* **Add a glaze:** Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled squares for a touch of extra sweetness and decoration. To make a glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth.
* **Use a different crust:** For a richer crust, try using a shortbread crust or a graham cracker crust.
* **Add dried cranberries:** Substitute some of the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.
* **Add chocolate chips:** Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent treat.
## Serving and Storing Raisin Squares
Raisin squares are best enjoyed at room temperature. They can be served as a snack, a dessert, or even a breakfast treat. They pair well with a cup of coffee or tea, or a glass of milk.
**Storing:**
* **Room temperature:** Store raisin squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store raisin squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze raisin squares in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Troubleshooting
Even the most experienced bakers can encounter problems from time to time. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
* **Crust is too tough:** This is usually caused by overmixing the dough or using too much water. Be careful not to overmix the dough and add only enough water to bring it together. Chilling the dough also helps to prevent a tough crust.
* **Filling is too runny:** This can be caused by not cooking the filling long enough or using too much water. Cook the filling until the raisins are plump and the filling has thickened enough to hold its shape. If the filling is still too runny, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture.
* **Crust is browning too quickly:** Cover the squares with foil during baking to prevent the crust from browning too quickly.
* **Squares are sticking to the pan:** Grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent the squares from sticking.
## Conclusion
These homemade raisin squares are a timeless treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their chewy texture, warm spices, and comforting flavor, they’re the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible squares. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and relish the delicious results!
This recipe offers a delightful journey into the world of baking, resulting in a treat that is both satisfying and nostalgic. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and make it your own. Happy baking!