There’s something magical about the scent of Christmas wafting through your home, especially when it comes from a batch of freshly baked Christmas Fruitcake Bars. Imagine biting into a rich, moist square bursting with vibrant fruits and nuts, each bite a festival of flavors that dances on your tongue. easy no-bake dessert The warm spices mingle with the sweetness of cherries and the crunch of walnuts, creating an experience that takes you straight to holiday bliss.
These bars are not just a treat; they’re a celebration! Whether you’re gathering around the tree or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, these festive delights make every moment special. I still remember the first time I made them—it was chaos in my kitchen, but oh, how we laughed! They disappeared faster than Santa up the chimney, leaving behind only crumbs and happy memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Christmas Fruitcake Bars are incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet and spicy that everyone will love
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as snacks or festive gifts!
I once made these for a family gathering where someone exclaimed they were “better than grandma’s,” which led to a playful debate over holiday baking supremacy. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Toffee Crunch Cake recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: great appetizer for gatherings.
-
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it for fluffier bars.
-
Baking Powder: A must for that perfect rise.
-
Mixed Dried Fruits: Use a mix of raisins, cherries, and apricots for vibrant flavor.
-
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch; chop them roughly for texture.
-
Brown Sugar: For deep sweetness; dark brown sugar enhances flavor even more.
-
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.
-
Eggs: Bind everything together; ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
-
Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): These warm spices bring out the holiday spirit!
-
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth; opt for pure vanilla if possible.
-
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy—a good two minutes—this aerates the mixture beautifully!
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Your batter should be velvety at this stage.
Fold in Fruits & Nuts: Gently fold in your mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; we want those fruity bits to shine!
Pour Into Pan & Bake!: Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let these delightful Christmas Fruitcake Bars cool before slicing them into squares—though I won’t judge if you sneak one while they’re still warm! The aroma will fill your space with holiday cheer as you await their transformation into delectable little squares of joy. savory side dish Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Christmas Fruitcake Bars are a delightful twist on the classic fruitcake
- Bursting with spices, fruits, and nuts, they bring holiday cheer to any gathering
- These bars are easier to make than traditional fruitcake and have a texture that melts in your mouth
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients separately before combining them with the wet ones. This way, you ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the cake bars.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dried fruits according to your preferences or seasonal availability. Adding a splash of orange juice can also enhance the overall flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Fruitcake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in foil for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid a soggy texture, make sure all fruits are well-drained before mixing
- Use fresh spices for a more aromatic flavor experience
- Cut the bars after cooling completely for clean edges and neat servings
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited dessert. perfect holiday dessert option The smiles on their faces made all the effort worthwhile. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Cheesecake Squares recipe recipe.
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit can add moisture, but it may alter the texture significantly.
How long can I store these bars?
They last up to one week at room temperature or three months frozen.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
Christmas Fruitcake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Experience the magic of the season with these Christmas Fruitcake Bars, a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake. Each bar is rich, moist, and packed with vibrant fruits and crunchy nuts, creating a symphony of flavors that capture holiday cheer. Perfect for gatherings or as a festive gift, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cherries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently fold in the dry mixture followed by mixed dried fruits and chopped walnuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
