Aunt Tootsie Ash'S Fruit And Nut Bars
A rich, nutty fruit and nut bar featuring pecans, crystallized cherries, and pineapple, perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9 x 14-inch baking pan.
- Arrange pecan halves evenly in the prepared pan.
- In a bowl, beat eggs well. Add margarine, vanilla, light brown sugar, and plain flour; mix until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture over the pecans in the pan, covering them evenly.
- Top the mixture with crystallized cherries and chopped crystallized pineapple slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until golden and set.
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan.
- Cut into squares and store in an airtight container. These bars freeze well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also swap the crystallized cherries with dried cranberries or raisins if desired. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. Be cautious not to overbake, as the bars continue to firm up while cooling. This recipe is flexible; feel free to add nuts or seeds for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit and nut bars make a delightful snack on their own or can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert. They also complement a hot cup of tea or coffee beautifully. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Grandma's Yum Yum Cake at your next gathering. They are perfect for picnics or as a lunchbox treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. They can also be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Tootsie Ash'S Fruit And Nut Bars contains roughly 461 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 16g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans provide a unique flavor, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites. Just make sure to adjust the amount if needed, as some nuts may be larger or smaller than pecan halves.
What can I use if I don't have crystallized fruit?
If crystallized cherries and pineapple are unavailable, you can use dried fruit like apricots, figs, or dates. Just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the bars. This will still provide a lovely sweetness and texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is suitable for baking to achieve the right texture. Additionally, check that your crystallized fruits are gluten-free to keep the recipe entirely gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).