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–+ servings
Fruit Cake Bars
Fruit Cake Bars are a festive, chewy dessert packed with colorful candied fruit, chopped nuts, dates, and sweetened coconut. A twist on the traditional fruitcake, these bars are easier to make and more enjoyable to eat, moist, dense, and richly flavored thanks to sweetened condensed milk. Beloved for their simplicity and holiday charm, they make an excellent treat for potlucks, cookie trays, or nostalgic family gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 54 squares
Calories 128 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tbsp butter ( or margarine)
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup dates (cut-up )
  • 15 oz sweetened condensed milk (Borden’s Eagle Brand)
  • 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups candied mixed fruit (cut-up )
  • 1 cup nuts (coarsely chopped )
  • 1 tbsp flour (to coat fruit)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Pan and Butter

  • Melt butter in a 15x10-inch pan. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted butter.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients

  • Spread shredded coconut evenly on top of crumbs. Distribute candied fruit over coconut.

Step 3: Coat and Add Dates

  • Mix a small amount of flour into dates to prevent sticking. Distribute floured dates over candied fruit.

Step 4: Add Nuts and Milk

  • Sprinkle chopped nuts on top. Press the mixture lightly with hands to level the surface. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

  • Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.

Tips

  • Use a mix of red and green candied fruit for a festive holiday appearance.
  • Swap dates for chopped dried apricots, raisins, or figs.
  • Toast the nuts beforehand to deepen flavor.
  • Replace graham crumbs with vanilla wafer crumbs for added sweetness.
  • Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
  • Use parchment paper for easier extraction from the pan.
  • Substitute half the coconut with finely chopped pecans for a nuttier bar.
  • Drizzle with melted white chocolate after cooling for decoration.
  • Store refrigerated for firmer bars and longer shelf life.

Nutrition

Calories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1.4gFat: 6.2gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 38mgPotassium: 82mgFiber: 1.2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 115IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword coconut, condensed milk bars, fruitcake alternative, heirloom recipe, holiday baking, retro dessert, vintage recipes
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