Description
These Christmas Cake Bars are a festive twist on the classic holiday fruitcake. Packed with dried fruits, warm spices, and a rich, buttery texture, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of tea!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
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Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in Fruits and Nuts:
- Stir in the mixed dried fruit and chopped nuts until evenly distributed in the batter.
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Bake the Cake Bars:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
-
Prepare the Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or orange juice), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled cake bars for extra sweetness.
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Serve:
- Cut into squares or bars and enjoy your festive treat!
Notes
- Fruit Options: You can customize the dried fruit mix based on your preference. Candied cherries, currants, or chopped dates work well in this recipe.
- Nut Substitutions: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts or replace them with extra dried fruit.
- Spice Variations: For extra warmth, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves. A bit of orange or lemon zest can also enhance the festive flavors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Ideas: These bars pair well with a cup of tea, coffee, or warm spiced cider. They also make a great edible gift during the holiday season!
- Glaze Alternative: Instead of a glaze, you can dust the bars with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 bars
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: ~20g
- Sodium: ~80mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~3g
- Cholesterol: ~55mg