Fruit Cake Squares
Fruit Cake Squares are a delightful no-bake treat packed with a medley of candied fruits, nuts, and shredded coconut. Their rich, sweet flavors make them perfect for festive occasions or a satisfying snack. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, these squares offer a chewy, fruity bite in every piece.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo in the bottom of a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch jelly roll pan.
- Sprinkle evenly the graham cracker crumbs over the melted oleo.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the crumbs.
- Spread the cut up mixed candied fruit over the coconut layer.
- Add chopped and flour-dusted dates along with chopped nuts on top of the fruit mixture.
- Press the mixture down firmly.
- Pour milk over the pressed mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the traditional fruit cake, consider adding a splash of rum or orange juice to enhance the flavor. If you can't find mixed candied fruit, you can substitute with dried fruits like apricots or figs. To make the base firmer, try using melted butter instead of oleo. Ensure to press down the mixture well for compact squares.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit cake squares can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon treat. For added indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a slice of Granny'S Homemade Fruit Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cake Squares contains roughly 427 calories, with 7g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (14% 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 candied fruit?
Using fresh fruit is not recommended, as it can create excess moisture and affect the texture. Stick with candied or dried fruit for the best results, as they provide a concentrated sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
You can use any nuts you prefer, but walnuts or pecans are popular choices due to their rich flavor. Ensure they are chopped finely and lightly toasted for added depth. Avoid using salted nuts, as they can alter the sweetness of the squares.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free fruit cake squares, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or crushed gluten-free cookies. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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).