Description
Fruitcake Bars are a modern twist on the classic holiday dessert, bursting with dried fruits, nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or festive occasions.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange juice
1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and orange juice.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
6. Fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts.
7. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let cool completely, then lift from pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Notes
Swap dried fruits based on preference: cherries, figs, or pineapple.
Optional: soak dried fruits in orange juice or rum for extra moisture and flavor.
Top with powdered sugar or a light glaze for festive presentation.
Store in airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Use almond flour for gluten-free variation, adjusting liquids as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg