Tiny Christmas Bites
Tiny Christmas Bites are rich, nutty confections packed with pecans, dates, and candied fruits, perfect for holiday gatherings and festive celebrations with a sweet, tropical flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine in a bowl.
- Add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and almond extract; mix well.
- Stir in chopped pecans, dates, frozen coconut, chopped cherries, and chopped pineapple until blended.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each paper-lined miniature muffin cup.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the margarine with melted butter. If you're looking to make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of sweetened condensed milk. You can also swap out pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile. Ensure the mixture is well-blended to prevent dry spots during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Tiny Christmas Bites make delightful party snacks and pair well with coffee or hot cocoa. Serve them on a festive platter alongside other treats like 7 Layer Bar Cookies for a well-rounded dessert table. They can also be a sweet addition to holiday brunches, complementing savory dishes like Spinach-Sausage Quiche.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until just heated through, ensuring they retain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tiny Christmas Bites contains roughly 1305 calories, with 11g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 103g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 17g 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! Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts based on your preference. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the mixture.
Is there a way to make these bites healthier?
You can lower the sugar content by using unsweetened coconut and cutting back on the sweetened condensed milk. Consider adding more dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to enhance sweetness naturally without adding extra sugar.
Can I freeze these Tiny Christmas Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to an airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
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).