Christmas Fruit Bars
Festive and flavorful, these Christmas Fruit Bars combine nuts, dried fruits, and candied pineapple in a sweet, buttery batter, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle the broken pecans over a greased and floured 10 x 5 x 1-inch pan.
- Cream the oleo (butter) and add the brown sugar; continue creaming until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the plain flour and vanilla; mix until smooth.
- Press the batter down over the nuts, wetting your hands to help spread it evenly.
- Spread the chopped dates, candied cherries, and candied pineapple over the batter.
- Wet your hands again and press down the fruit layers gently.
- Bake at 275° to 300°F for 50 to 60 minutes, until golden and set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the pan. If you can't find crystallized cherries or pineapple, dried fruit or even fresh fruit can work, but may alter the texture. You can also substitute unsalted butter for oleo if preferred. Ensure to check the bars regularly while baking to prevent overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Fruit Bars make a delightful treat on their own or can be served with a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Old-Fashioned Nut Bread during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes, or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Fruit Bars contains roughly 1271 calories, with 12g protein, 283g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 11g 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 use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely flavor, you can substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Just ensure they are broken into similar sizes for even distribution throughout the bars.
How can I tell when the fruit bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown and have set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to help with texture. This way, you can enjoy these delicious bars while adhering to a gluten-free diet.
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).