Fruit Rolls

Prep: 30 min

A delightful no-bake treat featuring a blend of vanilla wafers, candied cherries, toasted pecans, and coconut, shaped into sweet rolls. Perfect for parties or as a nostalgic dessert, its rich flavors and chewy texture appeal to all ages seeking a tasty, easy-to-make confection.

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Ingredients

  • 2 (12 oz.) vanilla wafers
  • 2 cans Eagle Brand milk
  • 1 lb. candied green cherries
  • 1 lb. candied red cherries
  • 4 cups chopped pecans
  • 2 cans flaked coconut

Instructions

  1. Crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs.
  2. Add the crushed wafers to chopped candied green cherries, candied red cherries, and chopped pecans.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients well with the Eagle Brand milk until thoroughly combined.
  4. Pour the flaked coconut onto a sheet of waxed paper.
  5. Form the mixture into rolls by shaping and rolling on the coconut-covered paper.
  6. Wrap each roll in foil and refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using shortbread cookies instead of vanilla wafers. If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as great substitutes. To make the rolls easier to handle, chill the mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping. Experiment with adding dried fruits or chocolate chips for a unique twist, and for more delightful treats, check out my best fruit cake.

Serving Suggestions

These fruit rolls make a perfect dessert for gatherings and pair beautifully with coffee or tea. Serve them on a platter alongside fresh fruit for a colorful presentation. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with chocolate or serving with a side of whipped cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover fruit rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the rolls.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fruit Rolls contains roughly 3058 calories, with 40g protein, 353g carbohydrates, and 176g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (90% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1564mg per serving (68% of the Daily Value).

3058 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 39.7g 79% DV
Total Fat 176.3g 100% DV
Carbs 353.1g 100% DV
Fiber 25.9g 92% DV
Sugar 196.9g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1564.3mg 68% DV
Potassium 1672.2mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 116.4mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 470.6mcg 52% DV
Vitamin C 42mg 47% DV
Vitamin D 4.1mcg 20% DV
Calcium 1175.3mg 90% DV
Iron 24.8mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 are traditional, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well with the other ingredients.

Are there any alternatives for Eagle Brand milk?

Yes, you can use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a dairy-free option. This will give your fruit rolls a slightly different flavor but still maintain the sweetness and moisture needed for the recipe.

How do I know when the fruit rolls are ready to serve?

The fruit rolls are ready when they are firm to the touch and have set after chilling in the refrigerator. If they feel too soft, give them additional time to chill, as this will help them hold their shape when sliced.

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).

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