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.
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 dried cranberries or raisins instead of dates for a tangy twist
- Substitute crushed vanilla wafers for graham cracker crumbs
- Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for holiday spice
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean-up
Nutrition
Calories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 47mgPotassium: 74mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
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