Best 11 Easy Fruitcake Bars Recipes

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Indulge your taste buds with the delectable treat of easy fruitcake bars, a perfect blend of classic fruitcake flavors baked into a moist, tender texture that offers delightful bite-sized pieces. These bars are perfect for those who love the flavors of traditional fruitcake but without the time-consuming process or intricate decorating. With readily accessible ingredients and simple steps, you can create these fruity delights in the comfort of your kitchen.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRUITCAKE BARS



Fruitcake Bars image

Bake these brandy-spiked bars up to two days ahead, and cut just before serving.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brandy
5 cups dried fruit (see cooks' note), coarsely chopped
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides; butter paper, and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt; set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat brandy until simmering. Remove from heat, and stir in fruit; cool to room temperature. Toss brandied fruit with 1 cup flour mixture; set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; mix in vanilla. With mixer on low, add remaining flour mixture; mix just until combined. Fold in fruit mixture; transfer batter to prepared pan, and smooth top.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 1 hour. Using paper overhang, lift out of pan; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (still on paper). Invert fruitcake, and peel off paper; flip upright, and cut into 24 diamonds with a serrated knife. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

FESTIVE FRUITCAKE BARS



Festive Fruitcake Bars image

Fruitcake bars deliver the same great flavors of fruitcake with much less time and work.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h55m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups candied cherries
1 package (8 ounces) pitted dates, cut in half
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or filberts
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. In large bowl, mix 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, butter, orange peel, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and egg with spoon.
  • In medium bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour, the cherries, dates and pecans; stir into brown sugar mixture. Spread in pan.
  • Bake about 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, heat all Orange Glaze ingredients over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly. Drizzle cooled bars with glaze. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 3 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Carbohydrate 37 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 130 mg

FRUITCAKE BARS



Fruitcake Bars image

"This recipe has been a family favorite for years," tells Terry Mercede of Danbury, Connecticut. "People who declare they won't eat fruitcake love these bars! They're so easy to make...and they're colorful, too - chock-full of candied pineapple and red and green cherries."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 8 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup butter, softened
1-3/4 cups packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped candied pineapple
1-3/4 cups red and green candied cherries, halved
2 cups pitted dates, halved

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and walnuts; mix well. Spread evenly into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with pineapple, cherries and dates; press lightly into dough. , Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 87 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 21mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE BARS



Holiday Fruitcake Bars image

No time to make a fruitcake for the holidays? This quick bar cookie will satisfy your cravings. This recipe combines the best of several recipes I've tried over the years.

Provided by justcallmetoni

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 40m

Yield 3 dozen, 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 eggs
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup pecans
1 cup candied fruit
1/3 cup currants
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons rum

Steps:

  • Beat eggs with a mixer until they are golden yellow and doubled in volume - 2 or 3 minutes.
  • Add in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Mix together flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Take 2 tablespoons of flour mixture and stir in with candied fruit, nuts and currants, to keep fruit from clumping in the batter.
  • Add the rest of the flour mix to the eggs and sugar.
  • Fold fruit and nuts into batter.
  • Spoon batter into a well greased 11" by 7" pan.
  • Some years I use parchment paper instead.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Mix together rum and second cup of powdered sugar to make a glaze.
  • Spread the icing onto the bars about 5 minutes after they've come out of the oven.
  • Let bars cool and cut into bars.

EASY FRUITCAKE BARS



Easy Fruitcake Bars image

There's a sweet surprise in every bite of this fruitcake-like treat. The bars keep well in the freezer, so they can be enjoyed long after the holiday season's over.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup apple juice
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla and orange zest until blended. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture until well combined. Stir in walnuts and the reserved fruit mixture., Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 88 calories, Fat 3g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 35mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CHOCOLATE CHIP FRUITCAKE BARS



Chocolate Chip Fruitcake Bars image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h50m

Yield 24 bars

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
1/2 cup diced mixed candied fruit
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
Powdered sugar, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 8-inch square pan with cooking spray. Break up 2/3 of cookie dough into pan. With floured fingers, press dough evenly in bottom of pan to form crust.
  • Break up remaining 1/3 of dough into small bowl. Add candied fruit and flour; mix well. Spread jam over dough in pan. Sprinkle with candied fruit mixture; press lightly into jam.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Lightly dust with powdered sugar. Cut into bars.
  • Line the pan with foil, allowing enough foil to make the bars easy to lift and transfer to a flat surface for cutting.

WHITE CHOCOLATE FRUITCAKE BARS



White Chocolate Fruitcake Bars image

These cookie bars are studded with the best parts of traditional fruitcake (orange zest and dried fruit) and spiced up with lots of fresh ginger. The white chocolate drizzle creates a blank canvas that's perfect for sprinkles and/or sanding sugar.

Provided by Tara O'Brady

Categories     Cookies     Holiday 2018     Dessert     Butter     Almond     Egg     Orange     Ginger     Vanilla     Cranberry     Coconut     Chocolate     White Chocolate     Christmas     Bake

Yield Makes about 30

Number Of Ingredients 19

For the Shortbread:
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup almond flour or meal
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. finely grated orange zest
1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger (from one 3" piece)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut chips
2 oz. white chocolate, coarsely chopped
For the Glaze and Assembly:
8 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped, or white chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. virgin coconut oil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Sprinkles and/or sanding sugar (for sprinkling)

Steps:

  • Make the Shortbread:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8" square metal pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. Butter parchment.
  • Whisk flour, almonds, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed (or use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat granulated sugar and 1 1/4 cups butter in a large bowl, scraping down sides, until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to medium, add egg, and beat until incorporated, about 1 minute more. Scrape down sides of bowl. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in orange zest, ginger, and vanilla.
  • With the mixer running on low speed, add dry ingredients and beat just until combined with some visible flour remaining. Add cranberries, coconut, and chocolate. Beat just until incorporated. Scrape down sides of bowl, then fold dough once or twice with a spatula.
  • Scrape dough into prepared pan. Using dampened fingers or a damp offset spatula, press dough evenly into pan. Bake shortbread until lightly golden brown and set, 25-30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool.
  • Do Ahead: Shortbread can be baked 2 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.
  • Make the Glaze and Assemble:
  • Heat chocolate, oil, and salt in a small heatproof bowl in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and glossy, about 1 minute total. Set aside 2 Tbsp. glaze, then pour remaining glaze over cooled shortbread in pan, spreading to the edges. Let sit at room temperature until set (if you're impatient, chill 10-15 minutes).
  • Run a paring knife around edge of pan to release, then remove shortbread from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into bars. To slice into diamonds, cut into five 1 1/2" strips, then slice each strip on the bias into 1" diamonds.
  • Rewarm reserved glaze and drizzle over bars in stripes with a spoon. Top with sprinkles. Let sit at room temperature until set (or chill for 8-10 minutes).
  • Do Ahead: Bars can be made 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

SPICED FRUITCAKE BARS



Spiced Fruitcake Bars image

Fruitcake bars are very forgiving. You can bake them months ahead, and substitute almost any fruit or nut you like for one you don't. Aim for a balance of tastes and textures, and test to see if your selections work together, just pop a small handful in your mouth.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Yield Makes 4 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 1/2 cups (15 ounces) dark raisins
2 1/2 cups (15 ounces) golden raisins
2 cups (9 ounces) dried currants
2 cups (11 ounces) dried sour cherries, coarsely chopped
2 1/2 cups (9 ounces) dried cranberries
1 cup (5 ounces) dried apricots, cut into 1/4-inch dice
3/4 cup honey
1 cup Cognac, Armagnac, or other brandy
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for pan
2 1/4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups (5 ounces) walnuts, coarsely chopped
1 1/4 cups sugar
7 large eggs

Steps:

  • In a large nonreactive container (glass, ceramic, or plastic), combine dried fruits, honey, and Cognac; let macerate at room temperature 2 days or up to 2 weeks, covered with plastic wrap.
  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Generously butter and flour two 8-inch square (or round) pans; tap out excess flour. Whisk to combine flour, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl. Stir in walnuts.
  • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, and scraping down side of bowl as needed. Transfer to a large bowl. Using a flexible spatula, fold in flour-nut mixture and drained fruit mixture; stir to evenly distribute fruits and nuts.
  • Divide batter between prepared pans; use an offset spatula to smooth tops. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 2 to 2 1/4 hours. Transfer pans to wire rack to cool completely. Invert cakes onto racks to unmold. Invert again, top sides up. (Cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 months.)
  • Using a serrated knife, cut cake into thirds. Slice each third into 1-inch-thick slices. Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

QUICK AND EASY BRITISH FRUITCAKE



Quick and Easy British Fruitcake image

A quick and easy fruit cake for tea time that tastes best fresh out of the oven. You can use any mixed dried fruit you like, including cherries. [Recipe originally submitted to Allrecipes.co.uk]

Provided by Tessaann

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     UK and Ireland     English

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ¾ cups self-rising flour
½ cup unsalted butter
1 ¼ cups dried mixed fruit
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon mixed spice
5 tablespoons milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, or as needed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 6-inch round cake pan.
  • Place flour in a bowl. Rub butter into the flour until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add mixed fruit, 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, and mixed spice. Stir to combine. Add milk and egg and mix until batter is soft and easy to drop.
  • Drop batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle light brown sugar on top and pat down with the back of a spoon.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 to 1 1/4 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 347.6 calories, Carbohydrate 56.1 g, Cholesterol 54.5 mg, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 367.6 mg, Sugar 17.9 g

NO BAKE STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS RECIPE



No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe image

Our no bake strawberry cheesecake bars are going to be your favorite dessert this summer!

Provided by Kristen Hills

Categories     Dessert

Time 4h20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup butter (melted)
1 Tablespoon sugar
16 ounces cream cheese ((2 packages), room temp)
1 cup sugar
1½ cups fresh strawberries (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
fresh strawberries

Steps:

  • In a mixing bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
  • Line an 8x8" baking pan with wax paper or parchment paper, leaving some extra hanging over the sides of the pan for easy removal.
  • Press the graham crackers into the bottom of the pan.
  • Place the pan in the freezer for 15-30 minutes or until crust is set and cooled down.
  • In a blender, add cream cheese, sugar, strawberries, and vanilla. Blend until mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • In a mixing bowl, whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form (it will take a few minutes - I beat mine with an electric hand mixer).
  • Folding whipping cream into the creamy strawberry mixture.
  • Pour strawberry mixture into chilled crust. Spread over crust so that strawberry mixture is smooth and even.
  • Cover pan and freeze for 4-6 hours or even overnight.
  • When ready to serve, remove pan a few minutes before cutting. Top bars with fresh strawberries and more whipped cream, if desired.
  • Place leftovers back into the fridge.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 kcal, Carbohydrate 33 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 63 mg, Sodium 295 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 25 g, UnsaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 serving

FRUITCAKE BAR COOKIES



Fruitcake Bar Cookies image

Make and share this Fruitcake Bar Cookies recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Outta Here

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 2h30m

Yield 2 dozen, 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon rum extract or 1 teaspoon brandy extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
8 ounces pitted dates, chopped
1/4 cup candied fruit, chopped
1/2 cup candied red cherries, quartered
3/4 cup pecans or 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
candied cherry, for garnish (red and green)
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk (more if necessary)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Grease and flour a 13x9x2-inch pan. (Or spray with nonfat cooking spray).
  • In a small bowl, blend flour, salt, soda, cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, and eggs at medium speed until light and fluffy. Mix in rum or brandy extract.
  • Stir in flour, dates, candied fruits, 1/2 cup cherries and nuts. Spread in prepared pan and bake 30 minutes until golden. Cool on wire rack, in pan.
  • In the meantime, prepare the frosting by mixing together sugar and milk. Stir until smooth; then cover with a damp cloth until ready to use.
  • When cake has cooled, frost, suing a spatula.
  • Cut into 2 x 1-inch bars and decorate with red and green candied cherries. Store in a covered container, with pieces of wax paper between layers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 163.9, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 25.9, Sodium 58, Carbohydrate 25.4, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 19.8, Protein 1.7

Tips:

  • Use a variety of dried fruits: This will give your fruitcake bars a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include raisins, cranberries, cherries, and apricots.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bars tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Bake the bars until they are golden brown: This will ensure that they are cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center of the bars should come out clean.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting them: This will help them to hold their shape.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature: They will keep for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Fruitcake bars are a delicious and easy-to-make holiday treat. With a variety of dried fruits and a moist, flavorful batter, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a festive dessert, give these fruitcake bars a try.

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