All the festive flavor of fruitcake in a chewy, no-bake treat!
Makes approximately 12 bars.
Darlin’, I know what you’re thinking—fruitcake isn’t always the star of the holiday table. But trust me, these No-Bake Fruitcake Bars will change your mind! They’ve got all the festive, fruity goodness of the classic dessert, but with a modern, chewy twist. No baking, no fuss, and absolutely no leftover slices—they’re that good!
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: The base for a perfectly chewy texture.
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (chopped): Think cranberries, apricots, pineapple, or cherries for color and sweetness.
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty goodness.
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk: Binds everything together with a touch of richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm and sweet touch.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: A hint of cozy holiday spice.
- Optional: Shredded coconut or powdered sugar for rolling or sprinkling.
Supplies Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace:
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, chopped dried fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky. - Press into the Pan:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it firmly into an even layer. Use the back of a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to smooth the top. - Chill to Set:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until firm. - Slice and Serve:
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares and arrange on a festive plate. - Optional Decoration:
Dust with powdered sugar or roll the edges in shredded coconut for a snowy, holiday look.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for a firmer texture, up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Tip 1: Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits for a slightly different flavor.
- Tip 2: Adjust the dried fruits to your liking—mix in golden raisins, figs, or mango for variety.
- Tip 3: Toast the nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
Variations
- Chocolate Fruitcake Bars: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Tropical Bars: Include dried pineapple, coconut, and macadamia nuts for a sunny flavor.
- Spiced Holiday Bars: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for extra holiday warmth.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
Absolutely! Omit the nuts and replace them with more dried fruits or seeds.
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Fresh fruit contains too much moisture and won’t hold up in this recipe. Stick with dried for the best results.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the chill time as needed.
Final Thoughts
These No-Bake Fruitcake Bars are everything you love about fruitcake, reimagined in a way that’s easy, modern, and totally delicious. Perfect for gifting, snacking, or sharing at holiday parties, they’re sure to turn even the biggest fruitcake skeptics into fans. So grab your dried fruits and nuts, darlin’, and let’s make some festive magic!
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