A festive, large-batch recipe for rich and chewy fruitcake-style bars. This batter is absolutely packed with dates, pineapple, cherries, chocolate chips, and nuts, making it perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Author
Unknown
Recipe
| Measurements | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 9 | Eggs |
| 3 cups | Sugar |
| 4 1/2 cups | Flour |
| 4 1/2 teaspoons | Baking Powder |
| 3/4 teaspoon | Salt |
| 6 cups | Nuts, chopped |
| 3 cups | Dates, chopped |
| 3 cups | Pineapple, crushed or tidbits, well-drained |
| 3 cups | Cherries, maraschino or candied, halved |
| 3/4 pound | Chocolate Chips |
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a large baking pan (e.g., a 13x18 inch sheet pan).
- In a very large bowl, combine the chopped nuts, dates, drained pineapple, cherries, and chocolate chips. Sprinkle about 1 cup of the flour over this mixture and toss well to coat all the fruit and nuts.
- Make the Batter: In a separate large bowl, beat the 9 eggs with the sugar until light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 ½ cups of flour, the baking powder, and the salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture and stir until just combined.
- Combine: Pour the batter over the floured fruit and nut mixture. Using a sturdy spoon or your hands, mix until everything is thoroughly combined. The “batter” will be very thick and dense.
- Bake: Spread and press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
Note
The original recipe card was a list of ingredients only, headed with “9 eggs.” The instructions have been inferred based on standard baking methods for a dense fruit and nut bar.
