When I set out to relaunch ChallahCrumbs, I knew this recipe had to come along for the ride. Spice bars have always felt like home to me. They’re cozy, fragrant, and honestly perfect in every season (though something about the holidays and that first little chill in the air makes them extra inviting). I’ve always linked them in my mind with Sukkot — the sweetness, the warmth, the gathering around the table — but truthfully, they make their way into our kitchen all year long.
Spice Bars
Serves 12
These bars are warm, fragrant, and just the thing to make the house smell like the holidays — even if it’s a random Tuesday in March.
Ingredients
1/2 c and 1 Tbsp oil (this was my grandmother’s recipe so it was ¾ cup margarine but it can be replaced with oil)
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger
½ teaspoon allspice
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda, dissolved in ½ cup water
1 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
Mix the oil and brown sugar together.
Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Stir in the spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice (my favorite part!)
Mix in the flour, then add the baking powder and the baking soda dissolved in water. Blend until smooth.
Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan and spread evenly.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, until set and lightly golden.
While still warm, drizzle with glaze.
Simple Glaze
Icing sugar
A splash of boiling water
Stir together until smooth, adding water a few drops at a time until you get a pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over the warm bars and let it set into that perfect sweet finish.