Christmas is a time for traditions, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious food. While Christmas cookies and gingerbread often take the spotlight, there’s another holiday classic that deserves some attention: fruitcake. But, let’s face it, traditional fruitcake can be polarizing with its dense texture and often overwhelming sweetness. Enter Fruitcake Bars — a modern, easy-to-make spin on the classic fruitcake that packs all the same festive flavors, but with a much lighter, more enjoyable texture.
These Fruitcake Bars combine the richness of butter, the sweetness of candied fruits, and the warmth of spices, resulting in a delightful treat that’s perfect for any holiday occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking for a gift exchange, or simply looking for a special Christmas dessert, these Fruitcake Bars will definitely impress. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!
In this article, we’ll explore why you’ll love these Fruitcake Bars, provide you with everything you need to make them, walk you through the step-by-step instructions, and give you some tips and variations to elevate your dessert game.
Why You’ll Love These Fruitcake Bars
Fruitcake can sometimes get a bad reputation, often due to its dense texture and overabundance of fruit. But these Fruitcake Bars are a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- Light and Moist Texture: Unlike the traditional fruitcake, which can sometimes be heavy and dry, these bars are moist and tender. The batter is soft and fluffy, making each bite light yet satisfying.
- Simple to Make: You won’t have to worry about complicated preparation methods or intricate baking techniques. These Fruitcake Bars come together in a simple, easy-to-follow process, which makes them perfect for busy holiday baking.
- Festive and Flavorful: Packed with a colorful mix of candied fruits and dried dates, these bars are a true representation of Christmas flavors. They’re sweet, fruity, and wonderfully fragrant, making them a perfect addition to any holiday spread.
- Perfect for Gifting: These bars are a great option for edible gifts. Wrap them up in a festive box or tin and share the joy of homemade holiday treats with friends, family, and neighbors.
- No Dry Fruitcake Woes: One common complaint about traditional fruitcake is that it can sometimes end up dry and unappetizing. These Fruitcake Bars avoid that issue, offering a moist and flavorful alternative without sacrificing the holiday spirit.
What You’ll Need
To make these delicious Fruitcake Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ¾ cup butter, softened and at room temperature 🧈
- 1 ¾ cups light brown sugar, packed 🍯
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature 🥚
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 🍨
- 1 pinch salt 🧂
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup mixed peel 🍊 (a blend of candied citrus peel, typically orange and lemon)
- 1 cup candied cherries, quartered or chopped (red and green) 🍒
- ½ cup candied pineapple, chopped 🍍
- ½ cup dried dates, pitted and chopped
Optional ingredients for variation:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) 🌰
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra spice 🍂
- A splash of rum or brandy to enhance the flavors and provide a more traditional fruitcake vibe 🍸
Helpful Tips for Ingredient Substitutions:
- If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can try using a light or low-sugar version of the candied fruits, though this may alter the texture or sweetness of the bars.
- If you’re unable to find candied fruits, you can substitute them with dried fruits (like dried cranberries or apricots) or a combination of both dried and fresh fruits.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, here’s how to make your own batch of these tasty Fruitcake Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the bars won’t stick once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and light brown sugar using an electric mixer or a stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until the combination becomes smooth and creamy — this should take about 2-3 minutes. The sugar will dissolve into the butter, creating a soft, fluffy mixture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. The mixture should appear light and fluffy at this stage.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and any ground spices you’re using (cinnamon or nutmeg). You can also sift the flour to ensure there are no lumps. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars dense.
Step 5: Add the Candied Fruits and Dates
Now, it’s time to add the fruit! Gently fold in the mixed peel, candied cherries, candied pineapple, and chopped dried dates. If you’re adding nuts, you can stir them in at this stage as well. The batter will be thick, and it’s important to ensure that the fruits and dates are evenly distributed throughout.
Step 6: Spread the Batter and Bake
Pour the thick batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so that the batter reaches all corners of the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs attached, not wet batter).
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allow the fruitcake bars to cool completely in the pan before removing them. When they’ve cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice them into squares or bars, depending on your preference.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Fruitcake Bars immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment. They can be enjoyed as a festive snack, dessert after a meal, or with a hot drink like tea, coffee, or cocoa.
Tips for Success
To ensure that your Fruitcake Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This will help them mix more easily and result in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour and fruits, mix gently and only until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Use Fresh Fruit: If you want to make a variation with fresh fruit, keep in mind that you may need to reduce the baking time slightly. Fresh fruits contain more moisture, which could affect the texture.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different, so it’s a good idea to start checking the bars after about 25 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown, and the center should not jiggle when you move the pan.
- Let the Bars Cool Completely: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but allowing the bars to cool fully will ensure that they slice neatly and don’t fall apart.
Variations to Try
While this Fruitcake Bars recipe is delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are some variations to consider:
- Nutty Fruitcake Bars: For an extra crunch, add ½ cup of chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. These will add texture and a lovely nutty flavor to balance the sweetness of the fruits.
- Spicy Fruitcake Bars: If you love a bit of warmth in your holiday desserts, try adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the flour mixture. The aromatic spices will add depth to the bars and give them an even more festive taste.
- Rum-Infused Fruitcake Bars: If you’re aiming for a traditional fruitcake flavor, add 2-3 tablespoons of rum or brandy to the batter. This gives the bars a subtle depth of flavor and a nod to classic fruitcakes that are often soaked in alcohol.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars. This adds a rich chocolatey layer to the bars, making them even more indulgent.
- Glazed Fruitcake Bars: After baking, brush a light layer of apricot jam or honey on the surface of the bars to create a glossy, sweet finish that adds an extra layer of flavor.
Storing and Reheating
These Fruitcake Bars are perfect for make-ahead baking. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Storing:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your bars within a few days, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate the bars for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing:
These bars freeze very well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating:
To enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat them gently in the oven at a low temperature (250°F) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these bars without candied fruits? A: Yes! If you’re not a fan of candied fruits, you can substitute them with dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, or figs. Just be sure to chop larger pieces into smaller bits.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free? A: You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, so it’s best to test it out beforehand.
Q: How long can I store these bars? A: You can store the bars at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party? A: Absolutely! These bars actually taste better as they sit and the flavors meld. You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container.
The Final Word
These Fruitcake Bars are a modern twist on a holiday classic, offering all the festive flavors of fruitcake without the heaviness. They’re easy to make, delicious, and versatile, and they make the perfect treat for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, these Fruitcake Bars will surely become a holiday favorite. So this Christmas, skip the dry fruitcake and make these moist, flavorful bars — you won’t regret it!