Fruited Holiday Bars
Fruited Holiday Bars are sweet, chewy treats packed with candied fruits, raisins, and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings and satisfying a variety of sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat butter or margarine, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add flour and baking soda, beating until blended.
- Stir in chopped pineapple, candied cherries, raisins or chopped dates, and walnuts if using.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and surface is slightly soft.
- Allow to cool slightly before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the butter with coconut oil. If you don’t have candied fruits, fresh fruits like chopped apples or dried fruits can work well too. To enhance texture, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure to beat the mixture just until combined to keep the bars tender. Make sure to use a light hand when mixing in the flour to avoid tough bars.
Serving Suggestions
These Fruited Holiday Bars make a delightful treat for gatherings or as a snack. Serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert. They also complement well with a spread of Derby Fruit Dip for an extra fruity touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Fruited Holiday Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Holiday Bars contains roughly 545 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of iron (14% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds, or even omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, but the bars will still be delicious.
What should I do if my bars are too crumbly?
If your bars turn out crumbly, it might be due to overbaking or not enough moisture. Ensure to bake them just until golden and slightly soft on the surface. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of milk or an extra egg next time to improve moisture.
Can I freeze these holiday bars?
Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully! To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
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).