Fruit Bars Or Cake
Delicious fruit bars or cake bursting with chopped dates, pecans, and maraschino cherries, featuring warm spices. Perfect for dessert or teatime, appealing to fruit and nut lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend flour, cinnamon, cloves, and soda together and set aside.
- Cream butter or margarine until smooth.
- Add sugar to the creamed mixture and continue blending.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add chopped cherries with juice and the dry ingredients, mixing well.
- Fold in chopped dates and pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased Bundt pan or a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C); for a 9 x 13-inch pan, bake 30 to 45 minutes.
- For a Bundt pan, bake 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Test with a toothpick; it is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired, or use dried fruits like cranberries or apricots in place of dates. Make sure to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid clumps in your batter. If you want a lighter texture, separate the egg whites and beat them before folding them into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit bars or cake can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For a delightful breakfast or brunch treat, serve alongside coffee or tea, or even explore pairing with recipes like Quick Cinnamon Coffee Cake for a varied dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Bars Or Cake contains roughly 1198 calories, with 15g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 509mg per serving (22% 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 fresh fruit instead of dried?
While fresh fruit can be used, it may alter the texture and moisture content of the bars. Dried fruit like dates and cherries provide concentrated sweetness and a chewier texture, which complements the cake well. If you choose to use fresh fruit, reduce the liquid ingredients slightly to compensate for the added moisture.
What can I do if the cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, ensure not to overbake it, as this can lead to a crumbly texture. Adding a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water can help moisten individual slices. Additionally, consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for added moisture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking soda is gluten-free, and consider adding a binding agent like xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn't already contain it. Adjust baking time as needed, as gluten-free baked goods can sometimes require slightly different cooking times.
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).