Fruit Cake Bars
Fruit Cake Bars are a rich, nutty treat packed with chopped pecans and sweet candied fruit. Their dense, moist texture makes them perfect for festive occasions or as a flavorful snack. A delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, they appeal to those who enjoy traditional fruit desserts with a twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour an 8 x 14-inch pan.
- Press chopped pecans into the prepared pan.
- Melt margarine and light brown sugar over low heat; remove from heat.
- Add plain cake flour, well beaten eggs, and vanilla flavoring to the melted mixture.
- Pour the batter over the nuts in the pan.
- Sprinkle chopped candied fruit over the batter.
- Bake at 250°F for 1 hour.
- Cool and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a lighter texture, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits, such as walnuts or cranberries. Ensure that the candied fruit is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bars.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit cake bars are delightful on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving alongside Ginger Dip for a unique flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruit cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cake Bars contains roughly 1582 calories, with 33g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. It also contributes 13g 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 types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans give a wonderful flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped into smaller pieces for even distribution throughout the bars.
How can I make these bars more festive?
To make your fruit cake bars more festive, try adding some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can also include a splash of orange or lemon zest for a citrusy kick. Top with a simple glaze or icing for an extra special touch during the holidays.
What if I don't have candied fruit?
If you don't have candied fruit on hand, you can substitute it with dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or cranberries. Just chop them into small pieces and soak them in warm water or juice for about 15 minutes to soften before adding them to the batter.
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).