Get ready to experience a mouthwatering journey through time with these irresistible Old Fashioned Fruitcake Bars! Imagine biting into a perfectly balanced treat that combines the rich, sweet memories of traditional fruitcake with the convenience of a handheld bar. Packed with luscious dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and a tender, buttery base, these bars are about to become your new favorite dessert that bridges generations and brings comfort in every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts. Toss lightly with 2 tablespoons of the measured flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in the floured dried fruits and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 16 even bars. Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Fruit and Nut Preparation: Tossing your dried fruits and nuts in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bars, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and light.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - a few moist crumbs are okay, but the toothpick should not have wet batter.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and make clean, precise cuts.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 45mg