Name: Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk; 1 cup candied mixed fruit (cherries, pineapple, etc.); 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup white chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

I absolutely adore this Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe because it perfectly captures the festive spirit of holiday baking in a simple, irresistible treat. Each chewy bar packs layers of vibrant candied fruit, luscious coconut, crunchy nuts, and two kinds of chocolate, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s like a fruitcake reimagined—without the heaviness and with a whole lot of fun textures and flavors that I find utterly addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe

I have to say, what really excites me about this recipe is how all those contrasting flavors and textures come together in each bite. The sweetness of the condensed milk melds beautifully with the tangy pop of candied fruit and the mellow richness of the coconut. Toss in the nutty crunch and the melty chocolate chunks, and you get a perfectly balanced flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert where you want just one more piece, then another, and before you know it, the whole pan is gone!

Beyond the flavor, what makes this recipe stand out to me is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. I love desserts that bring big flavor but don’t require hours of intense work, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Simply layering ingredients over a graham cracker crust and baking until set means it’s great for busy holiday afternoons or last-minute gatherings. Plus, it’s wonderful for all sorts of occasions—Christmas parties, cookie swaps, or even a cozy night when you want something special but fuss-free. I always recommend it to friends who want a festive treat with maximum impact and minimal effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular dark metal baking tray filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer is a mix of golden-brown crumbs, topped with a scattering of bright green chopped pieces and small red bits evenly spread. Over these is a thick, even layer of white shredded topping covering almost everything, with some green and red bits peeking through. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients list for this Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these bars so special. From the crispy graham cracker crust to the sweet condensed milk that binds everything together, every component is essential to the final taste and appearance.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Graham cracker crumbs: This buttery crispy base gives the bars a lovely crunch and holds everything together beautifully.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients effectively.
Sweetened condensed milk: The magic ingredient that soaks into the layers, providing a creamy sweetness and chewy texture.
Candied mixed fruit: Bursts of jewel-colored sweetness that bring vibrancy and a festive touch.
Shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and a subtle tropical flavor that balances the fruit.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolate delight across the bars.
White chocolate chips: A creamy contrast on top that also looks beautiful as it bakes to a light golden hue.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will ensure the bars come out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated, then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid crust.

Step 3: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Try to distribute it as uniformly as possible so it seeps evenly into the layers that follow.

Step 4: Sprinkle your candied mixed fruit evenly across the surface of the condensed milk. These vibrant chunks will add delicious bursts of flavor throughout the bars.

Step 5: Add a layer of shredded coconut on top of the fruit, spreading it evenly to cover all the fruit pieces. This will add a chewy tropical note to the bars.

Step 6: Next, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the coconut layer. Make sure they’re spread out for that perfect crunch in every bite.

Step 7: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips across the nuts, then finish by topping the bars with the white chocolate chips, creating a beautiful contrast of colors and flavors.

Step 8: Bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the center is set (it should no longer be wobbly). Your kitchen will start to smell amazing around this point!

Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For the cleanest slices, I like to chill them in the refrigerator once cooled—even a short chilling time helps the bars hold together beautifully when cut.

Servings and Timing

This Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe yields 16 generously sized bars, perfect for sharing with a crowd or gifting to friends and family. The prep time is quite short, just about 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 30 minutes, making the total time just 45 minutes. Keep in mind, you’ll want to allow additional cooling or chilling time—usually about 1 hour—to make slicing easier and to let those layers set perfectly before serving.

How to Serve This Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe

The image shows three square dessert bars on a white marbled surface, each with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a thick, dense, light brown crust. The middle layer is creamy pale yellow, smooth with small pieces of fruit. The top layer is a mix of crunchy nuts, including pecans, and bright red cherries, along with some green seeds or edamame, adding texture and color. Two whole cherries with stems lie near the bars on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these bars at room temperature because that’s when the flavors really shine and the texture is just right—soft, chewy, and with that delightful crunch. They’re wonderfully versatile, so you can plate them alongside a cup of strong coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re hosting a holiday party or cookie swap, these bars make a colorful and festive addition to your dessert tray that guests can’t resist.

For a little extra flair, I like to garnish individual serving plates with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped nuts on top. You could also drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate artfully across the bars for an elegant touch. These visual details really elevate the presentation, making them perfect for gifting—you know, wrapped up in parchment paper and tied with twine for that homemade charm.

When it comes to beverages, I’m a fan of pairing these bars with something that complements their sweetness but doesn’t overpower it. A glass of chilled sparkling wine, a rich cup of hot cocoa, or even a spiced apple cider works beautifully. They are brilliant for occasions ranging from casual weeknight indulgences to more formal holiday gatherings, always a crowd-pleaser served at their best with a smile and good company.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily substitute the candied fruit for dried fruit if that’s what you have on hand—dried apricots, cherries, or cranberries work great, bringing a chewiness and natural sweetness. If you want to make a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or swap in sunflower seeds, which also add a lovely crunch without any allergy concerns.

For those who prefer gluten-free options, I’ve found that using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or even crushed gluten-free cookies makes this dessert equally delicious without sacrificing texture. For a vegan spin, you can replace the sweetened condensed milk with a coconut condensed milk alternative or a homemade version using coconut milk and sugar, though that will slightly alter the flavor and texture. These bars also respond well to a bit of experimentation—adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust or mixing in some orange zest with the fruit can bring an extra festive twist.

If you’re pressed for time or want to try something fun, you can even prepare these bars in individual muffin tins for personal servings. Just adjust the baking time to about 15–20 minutes and watch them carefully—they’ll be done when golden at the edges and set in the middle. These little changes keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time I make it!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

These bars store wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. To maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out, I recommend keeping them in a tightly sealed container or wrapping them well in plastic wrap. If your kitchen is warm, storing in the fridge is a good option; just be aware the texture will firm up slightly and coconut may harden a bit.

Freezing

I have frozen these bars successfully, which is perfect when you want to prep ahead. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, I generally avoid reheating them in the microwave or oven. However, if you do prefer them slightly warm, a brief 10-second zap in the microwave works well to soften the chocolate slightly. Just be careful not to overheat because the texture can become gummy and the chocolate can seize. Letting them come to room temperature naturally is my favorite way to preserve their perfect chewy and crunchy balance.

FAQs

Can I use dried fruit instead of candied fruit?

Absolutely! Dried fruit like cherries, apricots, or cranberries work really well as a substitute. Just keep in mind that dried fruit adds a chewier texture and a bit less brightness than candied fruit. You might want to chop larger pieces smaller so they distribute evenly.

What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?

I personally love pecans or walnuts for their buttery flavor and crunch. However, almonds or even pistachios are delicious alternatives that bring their own unique taste. For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds make a great substitute without compromising texture.

How do I get clean slices when cutting these bars?

The key is to let the bars cool completely and then chill them in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to keep edges neat. Pressing the crust firmly before baking also helps the bars hold together better.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, with a few tweaks. Substitute sweetened condensed milk with a vegan version made from coconut milk and sugar or purchase a store-bought vegan condensed milk. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for the crust. The rest of the ingredients like fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips can easily be swapped for vegan-friendly versions.

What is the best way to serve these bars for a party?

I like to cut them into small, bite-sized squares for easy snacking. Arrange them on a festive platter and consider adding garnishes like edible glitter, extra chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, mulled wine, or coffee for an inviting holiday spread.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe a try because it’s one of my all-time favorite holiday treats that brings joy with every layer. It’s easy, fun to make, and delivers incredible flavor that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or indulging yourself, these bars are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Happy baking!