Delicious California Raisin Recipes to Try!
California’s San Joaquin Valley is responsible for the production of 100% of all raisins grown in the United States! The fertile valley is home to over 200,000 acres of grapes that will eventually become raisins. The vast majority of raisins grown in the Golden State are sun-dried, although there is a bit of variance in the preferred method. Some growers prefer to harvest the grapes and then allow them to dry on paper trays in the vineyard, while others let the grapes dry on the vine. After the grapes have reached sufficient levels of dryness, they are then transported to a processing facility where they will be sorted, washed and packaged.
Raisins are one of many commodities in season year round in California. When kept in the pantry, raisins are at peak freshness for up to six months. Storing them in your fridge extends their lifespan to up to one year! That means you can enjoy California raisins all year long.
We’re sharing some of our favorite ways to enjoy this fabulous dried fruit in our delicious California Raisin recipes round up. What recipe will you try first?
Raisin recipes you probably haven’t tried, but should!
Pilaf with Raisins and Almonds (Arroz de Festa)
This traditional pilaf is a staple at Brazilian festivals and celebrations. It’s perfect for soaking up stews and sauces. You could also serve it alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main dish.
Walnut Raisin Agrodolce
This Walnut and California Raisin Agrodolce is a flavorful and versatile sauce that is perfect for dressing up grilled or roasted chicken or vegetables. The combination of tangy and sweet flavors makes this agrodolce a truly unique and delicious addition to any meal.
Cucumber Salad with Raisins and Yogurt
Plump and bursting-with-sweetness California Golden Raisins are the star of the show in Jaíne Mackievicz’s creamy salad inspired by Persian Mast-o Khiar (Persian Cucumber and Herb Yogurt). Zesty cucumber and celery are thinly sliced and coated in rich Greek yogurt, then California walnuts are added for a textural surprise.
Cookie recipes with raisins:
Persimmon Cookies
Nicole from Pinch My Salt’s Persimmon cookies recipe is chock full of raisins, walnuts, and warm spices so they really are the perfect cookie for fall. They also freeze well, so you can make a bunch of them to enjoy long past persimmon season.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Rebecca from Displaced Housewife has perfected our childhood favorite, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They’re slightly chewy with the ideal cookie dough to raisin ratio. Since California Raisins don’t contain any added sugar, they add the perfect amount of sweetness to these craveworthy cookies.
Chewy Raisin Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Once you’ve mastered the classic oatmeal cookie, level up with these Chewy Raisin Oatmeal Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches from our friends at California Raisins.
Oatmeal Raisin Marshmallow Cream Pies
Britney’s Oatmeal Raisin Marshmallow Cream Pies are a childhood favorite but re-invented! Everyone remembers those Oatmeal Cream Pies that came in those plastic wrappers that were so sweet and chewy! Well, this is like that but about a thousand times better!
Fruitcake Cookies
Fruitcake cookies recipe vary greatly depending on the baker. Typically they are a type of soft cookie that is made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices. Meg’s Fruitcake cookie recipe with raisins is often referred to as a “drop cookie” style.
Raisin bread recipes:
Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread
Is there anything more comforting than the smell of fresh baked bread wafting from the oven? We can’t wait to try this Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bread from our friend Britney Bakes Bread.
Delicious Walnut + Raisin Gluten Free Bread Recipe
Believe it or not, this delicious Walnut + Raisin Gluten Free Bread recipe really is easy to make – no mixer required! We love it toasted and topped with a thick smear of butter and honey, but it also makes a scrumptious French Toast or grilled-cheese sandwich.
Cinnamon Raisin Honey Butter Board
Not sure the butter board trend is one worth exploring? We’d like to make a case, especially when it results in something as elegant and easy as this Cinnamon Raisin Honey Butter Board from Baking the Goods. You’ll want to load it up with raisin bread, of course.
Treats and desserts with raisins:
Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding
Our favorite kinds of breakfasts can double as dessert. KC’s (gluten-free!) Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding pairs equally well with bacon OR a scoop of ice cream. The Brown Sugar Bourbon Sauce is optional, but encouraged.
Austrian Rum-Raisin Shredded Pancake
Our friend Aida travels around the world in search of amazing recipes, so it’s no wonder that she’s responsible for introducing up to Kaiserschmarren, an Austrian Rum-Raisin Shredded Pancake.
Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream
This amazing delicious Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream recipe from Vy at Beyond Sweet & Savory will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.
Savory raisin recipes:
California Roasted Carrot and Raisin Slaw
This roasted carrot and raisin slaw is a delicious and easy recipe that is full of flavor. Fresh shredded apple, apple cider, and freshly squeezed orange juice give it a unique and tantalizing taste. It can be enjoyed as a side dish or on its own as a light and refreshing meal.
Chickpea Deli Salad
Raisins are a particularly delicious add-in to chicken salad, but what if you’re vegetarian? Our friend, Erin came up with an ingenious alternative – Chickpea Deli Salad. Serve a scoop in between two thick slices of bread, roll it into a wrap, or serve with pita slices.
Easy Broccoli Salad
Brace yourself for the creamiest, most flavorful broccoli salad recipe on the internet! Our broccoli salad base recipe is a hearty one-bowl salad situation that is best suited as a side dish, but when you add shredded chicken and chopped bacon to the mix this side salad takes center stage as the easiest supper sized salad on the planet.
Stuffed Pork Loin
This sweet Sicilian-inspired Stuffed Pork Loin is an elegant option for a special occasion.
Sunshine Salad
Look, we love coleslaw just as much as the next person, but this Sunshine Salad is our favorite shredded side.
We hope you’ve been inspired by our delicious California Raisin recipes! These are only a few of the amazing recipes starring California Grown Raisins. For more delicious ways to enjoy your favorite CA Grown fruits, follow us on Pinterest!