Frosted Raisin Squares: A Taste of Home

My grandmother, Elsie, wasn’t much for elaborate desserts. Her baking was straightforward, honest, and always made with love. These Frosted Raisin Squares were a staple at her house, especially during the holidays. I remember sneaking into the kitchen as a child, the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked cereal pulling me in like a magnet. She’d always let me “help” drizzle the frosting, and I’d invariably end up with more on my face than on the squares themselves. Each bite is a warm hug, a trip back to Elsie’s kitchen, and a reminder of simple joys.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 48 squares
• Yield: 4 dozen squares
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups Ralston Tasteeos cereal, crushed to 1 1/2 cups (or similar crispy round cereal)
• 1 cup raisins
• 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 tablespoon milk

Equipment Needed

• 13x9x2 inch baking pan
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter (for confectioners’ sugar)
• Rolling pin or food processor (for crushing cereal)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan thoroughly. This will prevent the squares from sticking and ensure easy removal.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter (or margarine), brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this easier, but you can certainly do it by hand. Ensuring the butter is properly softened is key to achieving a smooth and even creamed mixture.

3. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.

4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough squares.

6. Crush the Ralston Tasteeos cereal to approximately 1 1/2 cups. You can do this by placing the cereal in a large zip-top bag and using a rolling pin, or by pulsing it briefly in a food processor. Don’t pulverize it into a powder; you want some texture.

7. Add the crushed cereal and raisins to the batter. Stir until all the pieces are evenly coated. Ensure the raisins are well distributed throughout the mixture.

8. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing down gently to create a uniform layer.

9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

10. Cool the squares completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and running.

11. In a small bowl, combine the sifted confectioners’ sugar and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be thick enough to drizzle but thin enough to spread slightly.

12. Drizzle the frosting evenly over the cooled squares.

13. Let the frosting set completely before cutting the squares into 48 pieces.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the base. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns a nutty brown color. Let it cool slightly before using it in the recipe.
• If you want a chewier texture, add a tablespoon of molasses to the wet ingredients.
• To prevent the raisins from sinking to the bottom, toss them lightly with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
• For easier cutting, chill the frosted squares in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cutting.
• Don’t have Ralston Tasteeos cereal? Substitute with Rice Krispies or another similar crispy rice cereal.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Frosted Raisin Squares are perfect served as a snack, dessert, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They make a delightful addition to any gathering.

Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw them completely before serving. To prevent sticking when storing, layer the squares with parchment paper.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	122 kcal	6%
Total Fat	4.1g	6%
Saturated Fat	2.5g	12%
Cholesterol	18mg	6%
Sodium	122.1mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	21g	7%
Dietary Fiber	0.4g	1%
Sugars	15.6g	62%
Protein	1.1g	2%

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of the butter, and a plant-based milk alternative for the frosting.
• Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy note.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?
A: Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and moisture to the squares. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different. You could also try using muscovado sugar for a similar molasses-like flavor.

Q: My frosting is too thick. What can I do?
A: Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much, or the frosting will become too thin.

Q: Can I make these squares ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the squares ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving for the best results.

Q: My squares are too dry. What could be the reason?
A: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry squares. Be sure to check them for doneness starting at 15 minutes, and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Q: Can I use golden raisins instead of regular raisins?
A: Absolutely! Golden raisins will add a slightly different flavor profile, but they work just as well in this recipe. You could also use a mixture of both.

Final Thoughts

These Frosted Raisin Squares are more than just a dessert; they’re a taste of nostalgia, a comforting reminder of simpler times. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these delightful squares. And don’t forget to share them with your loved ones – baking is always better when shared!