Mother'S Fruit Bars
Sweet and nutty fruit bars with a buttery crust, mixed fruit, and crunchy pecans, perfect for snack time or sharing at gatherings, appealing to fruit and nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and flour the baking pans.
- Spread 2 cups of chopped pecans in the bottom of two 9 x 13-inch baking pans.
- Make a batter by mixing melted butter, sugar, beaten eggs, vanilla, and flour.
- Pour the batter carefully over the nuts in the pans. Do not mix the nuts into the batter.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and the finely chopped mixed fruit over the batter.
- Bake at 300°F for 1 hour.
- Cut into small squares while hot and let cool in the pans.
- Remove from pans and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of melted butter. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half of the light brown sugar with applesauce. Ensure your nuts are evenly spread for an even texture. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter or the fruit mixture. These bars can also be adapted with different dried fruits for variety.
Serving Suggestions
These fruit bars are perfect for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a delightful addition to any brunch spread. For more ideas, browse more American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled fruit bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they remain moist and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Fruit Bars contains roughly 2712 calories, with 19g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 217g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 11g 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 use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans add a lovely richness, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure they're chopped to similar sizes for even distribution throughout the bars.
What can I substitute for the crystallized mixed fruit?
If you don't have crystallized mixed fruit, you can use fresh dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or cranberries. Just chop them finely to mimic the texture of the crystallized fruit, ensuring they blend well with the batter.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out.
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).