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Old Fashioned Fruitcake Bars

Old Fashioned Fruitcake Bars

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. 1 cup mixed dried fruits
  2. 1 cup chopped nuts
  3. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 1 cup brown sugar
  5. 2 eggs
  6. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together the remaining flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Gently fold in the floured dried fruits and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure uniform thickness.
  8. 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.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cooled, cut into 16 even bars. Optional: dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips

  1. 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.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent batter.
  3. Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender and light.
  4. Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - a few moist crumbs are okay, but the toothpick should not have wet batter.
  5. Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and make clean, precise cuts.
  6. 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

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