Handwritten recipe for Fruit Cake Bars
by: salvagedrecipes

Chewy Fruit Cake Bars with Condensed Milk

Fruit Cake Bars
Fruit Cake Bars are a delightful vintage dessert, combining the classic holiday flavors of candied fruit, coconut, dates, and nuts in a chewy, buttery bar. This recipe uses graham cracker crumbs for a subtle crunch and sweetened condensed milk for a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, potlucks, and dessert trays, these bars deliver nostalgic charm and a chewy, nutty texture that’s always crowd-pleasing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup coconut (shredded )
  • 2 cups candied mixed fruit
  • 1 cup dates (chopped, lightly floured)
  • 1 cup nuts (chopped, pecans or walnuts)
  • 15 oz sweetened condensed milk (Borden Eagle Brand )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Melt 6 tbsp butter in a 15x10x1-inch pan.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients

  • Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter.
  • Add shredded coconut evenly over the crumbs.
  • Distribute candied fruit, floured dates, and nuts over the coconut.

Step 3: Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and set.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

  • Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Tips

  • Line the pan with parchment for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
  • Lightly flour the chopped dates as written to prevent clumping and sinking.
  • Use mixed candied fruit or substitute part with dried cherries or pineapple for variety.
  • Toast the nuts lightly before adding for deeper flavor.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them set cleanly.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness if desired.
  • For thinner bars, use a slightly larger pan and reduce baking time a few minutes.
  • Store tightly covered; flavors improve after a day.
  • Drizzle with melted chocolate or glaze for a festive finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bar cookies, Christmas, coconut, condensed milk, Dates, easy dessert, fruitcake bars, holiday baking, nuts, vintage
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