Holly Bar
A decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, sweetened condensed milk, tart lemon, cherries, and crunchy almonds, perfect for citrus lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend butter, powdered sugar, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Mix in flour to form a dough.
- Press and flatten the mixture in an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Mix sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and chopped maraschino cherries.
- Set aside the cherry mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can substitute the maraschino cherries with dried cranberries or raisins for a different twist. If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the roasted almonds and add a bit more flour. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Holly Bars chilled or at room temperature, dusted with extra powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lovely presentation, garnish with additional maraschino cherries or sprinkle with chopped roasted almonds. They make a delightful addition to any dessert table alongside other American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Holly Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holly Bar contains roughly 401 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% 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 make Holly Bars ahead of time?
Yes, Holly Bars can be made ahead of time. They actually taste better after a day as the flavors meld together. Simply bake and cool them, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of sweetened condensed milk?
If you need a substitute for sweetened condensed milk, you can make your own by simmering 2/3 cup of milk with 1/3 cup of sugar until it thickens. Another option is to use evaporated milk with added sugar, though it will be less sweet. Adjust sweetness according to your taste preference.
Can I add other fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits like chopped strawberries or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the liquid content slightly if using juicier fruits to maintain the bar's consistency. Mixing in different fruits adds variety and can enhance the overall flavor.
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).