Every now and then you come across a recipe that is a catch all. I was so happy to come across this old family recipe. It is not my family’s recipe per se, but I simply love a retro recipe, no matter the origin. This sweet treat is versatile and would be perfect for so many occasions.

If you are attending a brunch, this would make a delicious option to present on its own or as a substitute for your average French toast or cinnamon bun. This would also be a fantastic make ahead dessert to split and package in a decorative boxes as lovely hostess gifts for those holiday parties that are knocking at our doors.

What I love most about this recipe is the old-fashioned vibe. This is one of those slightly heavy desserts and it is SWEET. It reminds me of the recipes that your Grandma would have made that have no regard for the “healthy alternative.” This is not a health conscious dessert by any means, but it gives that good, chewy, molasses feel that harkens some sort of nostalgic feels for me.

If you make Christmas cookie baskets for friends and family, this would be an excellent addition. You know how there always seem to be a couple of those really super-sweet bites peppered into the mix, to balance out the oatmeal and peanut based cookies? This is one of those recipes. They are also sturdy and they hold up well. You would get a ton of mileage out of just one batch of these bars, so in that sense, they are good for any get together with a crowd.