Description
A delightful recipe for Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chopped candied ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruit, chopped nuts, candied ginger, and white chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve.
Notes
- For a more festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.
- You can substitute the mixed dried fruit with your favorite dried fruits or use a mix of chocolate and nuts for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg