Why You’ll Like This Recipe

These delightful Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars take the essence of classic fruit cake and transform it into an easy-to-make, beautifully layered treat. The combination of sweetened condensed milk, a buttery graham cracker crust, and colorful toppings like coconut, nuts, and candied fruits makes these bars a perfect holiday dessert. They’re a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! Best of all, they come together effortlessly in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re baking for festive gatherings or looking for a fun dessert to share, these bars won’t disappoint!

Recipe: Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup candied mixed fruit (such as cherries and pineapple)
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir well until all the crumbs are well-coated. Then, take this mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to form your crust.

Step 2: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. If necessary, use a spatula to spread it out, ensuring it covers the entire layer.

Step 3: Layer the Toppings

Now it’s time to add the fun toppings! Sprinkle the candied mixed fruit, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer. Gently press down on the toppings to help them adhere to the layers below.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Bake your layered bars in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden and the top to have a light brown hue. Once done, take them out and let them cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

After the bars have cooled, slice them into squares. These treats can be enjoyed on their own or served at gatherings as a delightful dessert. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

The Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars are best served at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to any holiday party, potluck, or simply as a sweet treat alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

Storage

To store your bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days or freeze them for up to a month.

Helpful Notes

• Press Toppings Firmly: Make sure to gently press down on the toppings before baking, as this will help them stick together and not fall off.
• Customize the Nuts: While pecans and walnuts are great choices, feel free to substitute in almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer.
• Candied Fruit Variations: You can get creative with the candied fruits used—try adding your favorites or even some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a unique twist.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! A shortbread or gingerbread crust would add a delicious flavor and complement the other ingredients beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe dairy-free.

Q3: Can I substitute the candied fruit?

Definitely! You can use dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots if you’d like something a bit less sweet.

Q4: Can I add other toppings?

For sure! Consider adding toffee bits, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Q5: How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?

A great tip is to line your pan with parchment paper, allowing for an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.