Fruit And Nut Bars
Sweet and crunchy fruit and nut bars featuring vanilla wafers, pecans, and candied cherries, perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix crushed vanilla wafers and butter.
- Press the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan to form the base.
- Top with chopped pecans and red and green candied cherries, arranging cherries in a decorative pattern.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top.
- Allow the mixture to set for a few minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cut into bars while still warm.
- Ensure not to overcook to maintain the desired texture.
- Let cool before serving. Ideal for Christmas gatherings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds. If you prefer a less sweet option, use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of candied cherries. Ensure the butter is melted for easier mixing with the wafers. To add a hint of spice, consider incorporating a teaspoon of cinnamon to the wafer mixture. This recipe can also serve as a great base for adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit and nut bars make a delightful addition to holiday dessert trays and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also complement well with other holiday treats like Bonnie'S Sheet Cake or Brown Sugar Cherry Cookies, making them an ideal choice for Christmas gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit and nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, lightly warm in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 300°F (150°C) to restore their soft texture without overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Nut Bars contains roughly 632 calories, with 10g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% 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 a different type of cookie for the base?
Yes, you can substitute the vanilla wafers with crushed graham crackers or even digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile. This will slightly alter the texture, but it can create a delicious twist on the original recipe.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you prefer not to use candied cherries, you can replace them with dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries for a healthier option. This will give the bars a more natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are slightly golden around the edges and set in the center. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture. Cutting them while warm allows for easier slicing.
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).