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Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars
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These Spicy Hermit Bars are a delightful twist on the classic New England treat. They feature a chewy, cake-like texture with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, enhanced by a hint of black pepper for a subtle kick. Packed with raisins and optional walnuts, they’re perfect for dessert or a spiced snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for spice)
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter (4 tablespoons), softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 177°C. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. This preparation ensures even heat distribution and prevents the bars from sticking, making cleanup simpler.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and black pepper until fully combined. Whisking aerates the dry ingredients and evenly distributes the leavening and spices, which prevents clumps and ensures consistent flavor throughout the bars.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter and packed dark brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula halfway through to incorporate all ingredients. Creaming incorporates air into the mixture, which helps the bars rise and achieve a tender texture.
  4. Add the unsulphured molasses, room-temperature egg, and pure vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined, about 1 minute, ensuring no streaks remain. The molasses adds moisture and a rich, deep flavor, while the egg acts as a binder for the ingredients.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain, about 30 seconds. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the bars tough, so stop as soon as the ingredients are combined to maintain a soft texture.
  6. Using a spatula, gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Folding ensures the add-ins are incorporated without overworking the batter, which preserves the desired chewy consistency.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula, smoothing the top and pressing it into the corners. The batter will be thick; ensuring uniform thickness promotes even baking and prevents uneven doneness.
  8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The center should spring back lightly when touched. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars chewy and prevent dryness.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, then cut into 4 equal bars with a sharp knife. Cooling fully before cutting prevents crumbling and ensures clean slices.

Notes

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a 300°F / 149°C oven for 5-10 minutes until warm, which restores their chewy texture. For best results, allow frozen bars to thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy hermit bars, hermit bar recipe, Ina Garten hermit bars, spiced cookie bars, chewy dessert bars, American dessert, holiday cookies, molasses bars, raisin and nut bars, baked bars, spiced snacks

Find it online: https://inagartendishes.com/ina-garten-spicy-hermit-bars-recipe/