Holiday Fruit Bars

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Servings: 2 cups Difficulty: Intermediate
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Festive bars featuring a buttery crust and a sweet, spiced fruit filling.
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Holiday Fruit Bars recipe image
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Holiday Fruit Bars

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 2 cups Calories: 159

Description

These Holiday Fruit Bars are a timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. The recipe features a tender, buttery shortbread crust that provides the perfect base for a luscious filling packed with raisins, golden raisins, and bright candied cherries. Infused with zesty lemon rind, warm cinnamon, and aromatic allspice, these bars strike a delightful balance between sweet and spicy. They are moist, dense, and incredibly flavorful, making them an ideal dessert for Christmas brunches, holiday potlucks, or simply as a special afternoon snack.

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the 1/2 cup of brown sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well.
  4. Cut in the 1/2 cup of cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Stir in the water just until the dough comes together, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until it turns golden brown.
  7. While the crust is baking, beat the eggs in a separate bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
  8. Beat in the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar and the 1/4 cup of melted butter until smooth and fully combined.
  9. Fold in the raisins, golden raisins, chopped candied cherries, lemon rind, allspice, and cinnamon.
  10. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the hot baked crust.
  11. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  12. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 24 bars.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2 cups

Amount Per Serving
Calories 159kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.4 gg9%
Saturated Fat 1.7 gg9%
Cholesterol 0 mgmg0%
Sodium 308 mgmg13%
Total Carbohydrate 27 gg9%
Dietary Fiber 1 gg4%
Sugars 16 gg
Protein 2 gg4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: fruit bars, holiday dessert, christmas treats, raisin bars, lemon bars, buttery crust, candied cherries, golden raisins, spiced dessert, easy baking, potluck ideas, shortbread base, fruit filling, home baking, festive sweets, afternoon tea, classic recipe, make ahead, comfort food, family favorite
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