The scent of warm spices and sweet fruits fills the air as you slice into these Christmas Fruitcake Bars. Each bite combines the rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, creating a delightful treat that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. delicious stuffed flank steak Imagine the laughter of friends and family as they enjoy this festive delight, reminiscing about cherished memories while savoring each mouthful.

These bars are not just treats; they’re a slice of nostalgia wrapped in a delicious package. Perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights by the fire, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. pair with turkey melt sliders With their vibrant colors and enticing aroma, Christmas Fruitcake Bars promise an unforgettable flavor experience that will keep you coming back for more.

I still remember my aunt’s kitchen filled with laughter and warmth when she served these bars during our family Christmas gatherings. Their taste always left us craving more.

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: creamy butternut squash dish.

• Dried Mixed Fruits: Look for a colorful assortment like raisins, apricots, and cherries for both flavor and visual appeal.

• Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch; feel free to use your favorite variety.

• Flour: All-purpose flour works best; it gives the bars structure without being too dense.

• Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a touch of caramel flavor that enhances sweetness.

• Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create that warm holiday aroma—don’t skimp here!

• Eggs: They bind everything together—ensure they’re fresh for the best results.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your dessert.

• Baking Powder: A must for leavening; it ensures your bars aren’t flat as pancakes!

• Zest of Orange or Lemon: A little zest brightens up the flavors; it’s like sunshine in your baking! For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory chicken linguine recipe.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan (9×13 inches) with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your dried mixed fruits and chopped nuts. Toss them together well so that every bite gets a good mix of textures.

In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and lighter in color. This step is crucial since it helps aerate the mixture—think of it as giving your batter some pep!

Next, add eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The batter will begin to look smooth; this is when you can start dreaming about how delightful these bars will be!

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and spices until evenly combined. Gradually fold this dry mixture into your wet ingredients using gentle motions. Be careful not to over-mix; we want airy bars!

Finally, stir in orange or lemon zest along with your fruit-nut mix until just combined. Pour everything into your prepared baking pan evenly and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon smell like heaven—just try not to eat all of it while it’s still warm!

Once baked, allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars. Serve them at holiday parties or pack them up as gifts—everyone will love you for sharing this festive treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients separately before combining them with wet ones for even distribution. This ensures your fruit and nuts are perfectly integrated, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping traditional dried fruits for your favorites, like tropical mango or cranberries. A splash of rum or orange zest can elevate the flavor, making it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Christmas Fruitcake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which enhances their flavors over time.

Baking these Christmas Fruitcake Bars turned into a joyful family tradition—everyone eagerly awaits the smell wafting through our home during the holidays.

FAQ

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?

Fresh fruit typically adds too much moisture; stick with dried fruit for best results.

How long do these bars last?

Stored properly, they can last up to one week at room temperature or longer in the fridge.

Can I freeze Christmas Fruitcake Bars?

Yes! They freeze well for up to three months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

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Christmas Fruitcake Bars

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive delight of Christmas Fruitcake Bars, where the warm aroma of spices and the sweetness of dried fruits come together to create a nostalgic treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights, these bars are a colorful addition to your dessert table that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to prepare, they offer a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of the season.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup dried mixed fruits (raisins, apricots, cherries)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, mix dried fruits and nuts together. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and spices. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Stir in fruit-nut mix and zest until evenly distributed.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before cutting into squares.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg