Bertha'S Fruit Cake Bar
A rich, fruity fruit cake bar with shredded coconut, candied fruit, dates or raisins, and nuts, baked to a golden perfection—perfect for snacking or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo in a 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs evenly over the melted oleo.
- Add remaining ingredients: shredded coconut, candied fruit, dates or raisins, and chopped nuts.
- Press down to evenly distribute and combine the mixture.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
- Keeps for weeks in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened coconut instead of shredded, and try adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half the graham cracker crumbs with ground oats. Adjust the sweetness by using less sweetened condensed milk or opting for a sugar-free version. Ensure the ingredients are well combined for a uniform texture.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit cake bars are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside Cheesecake Bites or Lemony No Bake Cheesecake. Serve them at gatherings or as a sweet snack during the day.
Storage & Reheating
Store the fruit cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bertha'S Fruit Cake Bar contains roughly 933 calories, with 8g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as walnuts or pecans. If you need a nut-free version, try adding seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture and crunch.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges start to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overcooking.
Can I make these fruit cake bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time! In fact, they taste even better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld together. Just store them properly in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to serve when you are.
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).