Classic Christmas Fruitcake Bars Recipe

Nothing quite captures the warm spirit of the season like my cherished Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars. These bars blend a heavenly mix of candied fruits and rich buttery batter to create a treat that’s bursting with holiday cheer in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply craving a cozy festive snack, this recipe brings together all the classic flavors of a traditional fruitcake but in a delightfully easy-to-slice bar form. From the sweet notes of mixed peel and cherries to the satisfying texture of dates and pineapple, these bars are simply irresistible and sure to become a beloved seasonal favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and festive color palette. Every component works together harmoniously to deliver those iconic seasonal tastes you love.

• 3/4 cup butter (softened to room temperature): Adds moistness and a rich, creamy base to the bars.
• 1 3/4 cups packed light brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture to keep the bars tender.
• 3 large eggs (at room temperature): Essential for structure and richness, helping everything bind beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla essence: Infuses subtle sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1 pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall taste.
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour: The sturdy foundation for the bars, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
• 1 cup mixed peel: Adds zesty citrus bites and vibrant color.
• 1 cup candied cherries (red and green, quartered or chopped): Classic festive hues and juicy bursts of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup chopped candied pineapple: Sweet, tropical flair that complements the other fruits nicely.
• 1/2 cup chopped, pitted dried dates: Adds natural sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.

How to Make classic christmas fruitcake bars recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan to ensure your fruitcake bars come out effortlessly after baking. These initial steps set the stage for even cooking and a perfect release.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air into your batter, lending a lighter, more tender texture to the finished bars.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the first egg, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well to combine. Then add the remaining two eggs, one at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Taking your time here ensures a smooth, well-emulsified batter.

Step 4: Add Flour and Mix Thoroughly

Gradually sprinkle in the plain flour, mixing as you go to create a smooth batter free from any lumps. A well-mixed batter is key to achieving those perfectly even bars we all crave.

Step 5: Fold in the Fruit

Gently fold in the mixed peel, candied cherries, chopped pineapple, and dates. Be careful with this step — you want the fruit to be evenly distributed without smushing all the lovely pieces. This ensures each bite carries that delightful fruity surprise.

Step 6: Bake Your Fruitcake Bars

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know the bars are done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the batter looks set without any wet spots.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing cold bars helps maintain their lovely texture. Once cooled, cut into generous bars and get ready to share pure festive joy!

How to Serve classic christmas fruitcake bars recipe

Garnishes

These bars are a stunning treat on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant snowy touch. For some extra holiday sparkle, try sprinkling crushed pistachios or placing a few whole candied cherries on top of each bar right before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. A cup of spiced mulled wine or rich hot chocolate also pairs beautifully, making your snack feel truly celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these bars into charming holiday gifts by wrapping individual portions in waxed paper tied with festive ribbons. You can also layer them in a clear glass jar for a beautiful kitchen display that doubles as a guest treat. Get creative by arranging bars on a decorative platter with fresh holly for instant seasonal wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them moist and flavorful, perfect for snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, these bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy a fresh-from-the-oven experience, briefly warm the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. This brings back that soft, tender crumb and enhances the lovely aroma of festive fruits.

FAQs

Can I substitute the dried fruits in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix up the dried fruits according to your preference. Raisins, dried cranberries, or apricots all work beautifully and add their own unique flavors and textures to the Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars.

Why is it important to use room temperature eggs and butter?

Using room temperature eggs and butter helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a batter that rises well and bakes into moist, tender bars rather than dense or uneven ones.

How do I know when the fruitcake bars are fully baked?

The bars should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the plain flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose baking flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help maintain the texture.

What is the best way to slice the bars without them crumbling?

Use a sharp knife and make sure the bars are completely cooled, ideally chilled for a bit in the refrigerator. Wiping your knife clean between cuts also prevents crumbling and keeps slices neat.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about sharing a homemade treat like these Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars with family and friends. Their rich flavors and festive colors brighten up any gathering and remind us of the joy of the season. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s simple to make but delivers an impressive holiday spirit in every bite!

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