Christmas Bars
Festive and flavorful, these Christmas Bars combine aromatic spices, candied fruit, and crunchy nuts for a delightful treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting, their rich, spiced taste and chewy texture make them a hit among family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup honey ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mixed candied fruit, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Grease a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix vegetable oil, brown sugar, sugar, honey, egg, and vanilla until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in chopped candied fruit and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more festive flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. To enhance sweetness, you can replace some brown sugar with maple syrup. Don't forget to check the doneness with a toothpick as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Bars are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a fresh Spinach Salad Dip for a balanced spread. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for an attractive presentation or serve with whipped cream for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Bars contains roughly 154 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value).
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 gluten-free flour in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be a suitable substitute for this recipe. However, the texture may vary slightly, so look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better results. Be sure to follow the instructions on the flour package for appropriate measurements and adjustments.
What can I use instead of candied fruit?
You can replace mixed candied fruit with dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins for a less sugary alternative. Alternatively, fresh fruits like apples or pears can be incorporated, but their moisture content may affect the baking time. Reduce the amount of liquid ingredients if you choose to use fresh fruits.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bars. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, they are ready. Keep in mind that these bars may appear slightly soft in the center, but they will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them moist.
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).