Holiday Fruit & Nut Bars
📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Desserts A festive, large-batch recipe for rich and chewy fruitcake-style bars. This batter is packed with dates, pineapple, cherries, chocolate chips, and nuts, making it perfect for holiday gift-giving.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 55 mins | None | 5-6 dozen bars |
🔪 Key Equipment
- 13x18 inch sheet pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sturdy spoon
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Eggs | large |
| 3 cups | Sugar | granulated |
| 4 1/2 cups | Flour | all-purpose, divided |
| 4 1/2 teaspoons | Baking Powder | None |
| 3/4 teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 6 cups | Nuts | walnuts or pecans, chopped |
| 3 cups | Dates | chopped |
| 3 cups | Pineapple | crushed, well-drained |
| 3 cups | Cherries | maraschino or candied, halved |
| 3/4 pound | Chocolate Chips | approx 1 1/2 cups |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Nut Mixture
- Preheat oven to 325°F and grease/flour a 13x18 inch sheet pan.
- In a very large bowl, toss the 6 cups nuts, 3 cups dates, 3 cups pineapple, 3 cups cherries, and 3/4 pound chocolate chips with 1 cup flour until well coated.
Step 2: Create the Batter
- In a separate large bowl, beat the 9 eggs and 3 cups sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- In a third bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 1/2 cups flour, 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon salt.
- Add the dry mixture to the egg and sugar mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
- Pour the batter over the fruit and nut mixture and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Press the thick batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or can be frozen for up to three months.
Original Recipe Scan
