Low-Fat Fruit Cake Bars
Delightful low-fat fruit cake bars combine rich flavors of raisins, candied fruit, and warm spices, perfect for a healthy snack or dessert that appeals to fruit lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup boiling water ⓘ
- 1 cup low-fat mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon brandy flavoring or vanilla ⓘ
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder ⓘ
- 1/4 cup rum (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 large package candied fruit ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift flour with sugar, cinnamon, and allspice into a large bowl.
- Pour boiling water over the baking soda and mix well.
- Add the soda mixture to the flour mixture.
- Stir in mayonnaise until well combined.
- Add cocoa powder, brandy flavoring or vanilla, raisins, and candied fruit, then mix thoroughly.
- Spray a 13 x 8.5-inch pan with cooking spray (Pam).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Decorate the top with halved candied cherries.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
- Allow to cool before cutting into 2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider soaking the raisins in the boiling water for a few minutes before mixing them in. You can substitute the low-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the spices can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These low-fat fruit cake bars make a delightful snack or dessert and pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also go well with a fresh fruit salad, such as Citrus Brunch Fruit, for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fruit cake bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Fruit Cake Bars contains roughly 287 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the low-fat mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise or unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, use a plant-based milk to soak the raisins if needed. Ensure the brandy flavoring or vanilla is also alcohol-free.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for proper texture. This will allow you to enjoy the cake without gluten while maintaining its delicious taste.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or different nuts such as pecans or almonds. Just keep the total measurements of fruits and nuts similar to what’s listed to maintain the balance of the batter.
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).