If you love sweet and spicy treats, you will enjoy this Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars recipe. These bars are soft, chewy and full of warm spices.
They taste like a cozy cookie, but in bar form. The ginger, cinnamon and cloves give them a lovely kick.
You can make them for holidays, parties or a simple snack. They are easy to bake and smell amazing in the oven.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars
I first tried this recipe on a cold winter day. The house smelled like cinnamon and ginger. My family loved the warm spice flavor. The bars were soft and chewy, just like I wanted.
They were also easy to cut and serve. I loved how the spice mix made them special. Now I bake them for guests and holidays. They always disappear fast.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars
- Servings: 12 bars
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup molasses
Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy and light.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Molasses
Pour in molasses. Mix until the batter turns dark and shiny.
Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add dry mix into wet mix. Stir until just combined.
Fold in Raisins and Nuts
Add raisins and walnuts. Fold them gently into the batter.
Bake the Bars
Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes.
Cool and Cut
Let bars cool completely. Cut into 12 pieces and serve.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars
- Use fresh spices for stronger flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep bars soft.
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Add nuts for extra crunch if you like.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using old spices with weak flavor.
- Overbaking, which makes bars dry.
- Skipping parchment paper, which makes removal hard.
- Adding too many raisins, making bars heavy.
- Cutting bars before they cool fully.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy hermit bars taste great with a hot cup of tea or coffee. You can serve them with vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat.
They also pair well with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. These bars make a lovely holiday dessert. You can also pack them as a snack for school or work.
Variations You Can Try
- Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Use dried cranberries instead of raisins.
- Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Add a cream cheese glaze for a richer taste.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Keep them for up to 4 days for best freshness.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months.
- Reheat briefly in the oven for a warm treat.
- Microwave for 10 seconds if you want a quick warm bite.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
Health Benefits
These bars have raisins, which add natural sweetness and fiber. The spices like ginger and cinnamon may help with digestion. However, they are still a dessert, so enjoy them in moderation.
Making them at home means you control the ingredients. You can reduce sugar or add nuts for more protein. Overall, they make a cozy and satisfying treat.
Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1/2 cup molasses
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy and light.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla extract until smooth.
Add Molasses
- Pour in molasses. Mix until the batter turns dark and shiny.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Slowly add dry mix into wet mix. Stir until just combined.
Fold in Raisins and Nuts
- Add raisins and walnuts. Fold them gently into the batter.
Bake the Bars
- Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes.
Cool and Cut
- Let bars cool completely. Cut into 12 pieces and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for stronger flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep bars soft.
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Add nuts for extra crunch if you like.
FAQs about Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars
Q1: Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup, but the texture may change slightly.
Q2: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be a bit softer.
Q3: Are hermit bars supposed to be spicy?
Yes, hermit bars are known for warm spices like cinnamon and ginger.
Q4: Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, but use less. Fresh ginger is stronger than ground ginger.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars recipe is warm, chewy and delicious. It is perfect for holidays and cozy nights. The spices make the bars taste special.
The recipe is easy and quick to make. You can also customize it with nuts or chocolate. Try it today and enjoy a sweet, spicy treat at home.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!