Christmas Fruit Sticks
Sweet, chewy fruit sticks combining candied pineapple, cherries, dates, and crunchy pecans, coated with coconut and sugar, perfect for festive occasions and satisfying snack cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the candied pineapple, candied cherries, and dates.
- Mix the chopped fruits with pecans, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with brown paper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and pat it firmly to evenly distribute.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 50 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Turn the mixture out onto waxed paper sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- Cool for 1 hour, then cut into strips or squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful twist, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mixture. If you can't find candied fruits, you can substitute them with dried fruits like apricots or raisins. Make sure to finely chop the ingredients for better texture. If desired, you can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Fruit Sticks are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served alongside other festive treats like Molten Chocolate Cakes or Lemon Swirl Frosting. Consider pairing them with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a delightful snack. They also make great gifts when wrapped in decorative packaging.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To keep the fruit sticks from sticking together, layer them with wax paper or parchment paper. They can be enjoyed cold, or for a warm treat, lightly reheat in the oven at a low temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Fruit Sticks contains roughly 422 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), and calcium (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g 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 fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
Fresh fruit is not recommended for this recipe as it has a higher moisture content, which can affect the texture and firmness of the fruit sticks. Stick to candied or dried fruits to achieve the right consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the Eagle Brand milk with a vegan condensed milk alternative, and ensure that the coconut is unsweetened. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, making it easy to adapt.
How can I make these fruit sticks more festive?
You can enhance the festive appearance by adding colorful sprinkles on top before baking or drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled strips. Additionally, incorporating festive spices like nutmeg or ginger can elevate the holiday flavor.
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).