Mom'S Fruit Cocktail Bars
Mom's Fruit Cocktail Bars offer a moist, fruity treat with coconut and walnuts, perfect for snack time or dessert, appealing to all ages with its sweet, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour the bottom of a cookie sheet.
- Beat eggs and sugar at high speed in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add fruit cocktail with juice, flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla; beat at medium speed until well blended.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and flaked coconut on top.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- While hot, drizzle with glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the sugar with applesauce. If you don't have walnuts, try using pecans or almonds for a different flavor. Make sure to use well-drained fruit cocktail to avoid excess moisture. For a fun twist, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect for gatherings and pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a refreshing touch, serve with Yummy Yummy Salad for a delightful contrast. They also make a great snack or dessert at picnics and potlucks, offering a sweet finish to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Fruit Cocktail Bars contains roughly 185 calories, with 2g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% 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 canned fruit cocktail?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but you may need to adjust the sugar and liquid content. Make sure to chop the fruit into small, manageable pieces and consider adding a bit of juice to mimic the moisture from the canned fruit.
What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?
You can substitute each egg with a mixture of 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup mashed banana. This will help bind the ingredients together and keep the bars moist. Use flax eggs as another alternative for a vegan option.
How can I make the bars more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even some citrus zest from oranges or lemons. Additionally, consider drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
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).