Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars bring the nostalgic taste of traditional fruitcake into an easy, soft, and irresistibly chewy dessert bar. These bars are filled with vibrant candied fruit, nuts, and warm spices , all baked into a buttery brown sugar base that perfectly balances sweetness and texture.
Unlike dense old-fashioned fruitcake, these bars are moist, tender, and full of holiday cheer in every bite. Perfect for cookie exchanges, dessert platters, or gifting, they capture the essence of Christmas without the fuss of soaking or long baking times. With colorful fruit jewels and a hint of spice, these bars are the ultimate festive treat for your holiday season!
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups mixed candied fruit (red and green cherries, pineapple, or citron)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Mix the Batter
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
- Fold in candied fruit, nuts, and raisins (if using).
Step 5: Bake
- Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled bars and let set before slicing.
Variations
- Tropical Twist: Use dried pineapple, coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts.
- Spiced Rum Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon rum or rum extract to the batter.
- Citrus Zest Boost: Stir in orange or lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate over the top.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overbake , the bars should stay soft and chewy, not dry.
- If using dried fruit, soak it in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before adding for extra moisture.
- Let bars cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice into squares and serve on your holiday dessert tray.
- Wrap individually in festive parchment paper for edible Christmas gifts.
- Pair with hot tea, coffee, or mulled wine for a cozy afternoon treat.
Tips
- Use fresh, brightly colored candied fruit for the most festive look.
- Toast your nuts before adding for deeper flavor.
- These bars stay moist for days , even better the next day as flavors meld together.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling & Glazing: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, 24 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Q2: Can I freeze them?
- Absolutely. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q3: What fruits are best for fruitcake bars?
- Candied cherries, pineapple, citron, and dried cranberries all work beautifully.
Q4: Do I have to add the glaze?
- No, the bars are delicious plain, but the glaze adds an extra festive touch.
Q5: Can I make them gluten-free?
- Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Conclusion
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars are the easiest way to enjoy all the rich, fruity, nutty goodness of classic fruitcake without the time or complexity. Moist, chewy, and full of holiday color, these bars are perfect for Christmas dessert platters, gifting, or cozy family gatherings. With every bite, they deliver a taste of nostalgia and celebration—making them a must-bake treat this holiday season.