Holiday Fruit Bars
Holiday Fruit Bars are delightful, dense treats packed with chopped nuts, candied cherries, and dates, offering a rich, sweet flavor with a hint of vanilla. Perfect for festive gatherings or as a homemade gift, they combine crunchy and chewy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat oleo and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and beat well.
- Mix bran cereal, milk, and vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients with cherries, nuts, and dates; mix well.
- Spread batter into two greased 9 x 9-inch baking pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes.
- When cool, sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter or a vegan butter substitute works well. You can swap out the candied cherries for dried cranberries or raisins for a different flavor. Always sift the dry ingredients to eliminate clumps and ensure even mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These holiday fruit bars are delicious on their own, but you can enhance their flavor by serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for afternoon gatherings. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Fruit Bars contains roughly 1937 calories, with 23g protein, 324g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (77% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2024mg per serving (88% 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 cherries?
While you can use fresh fruit, such as chopped apples or pears, keep in mind that the moisture content may change the texture of the bars. If using fresh fruit, you might want to reduce the milk slightly to maintain the right consistency.
What can I substitute for the eggs in this recipe?
For a vegan option or if you're out of eggs, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds as a binding agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then add it to your batter.
How can I make these bars more festive?
To add a festive flair, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter. You can also top the bars with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or sprinkle chopped nuts and dried fruit on top before baking for added texture and visual appeal.
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).