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Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These chewy Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with layers of candied mixed fruit, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and both semi-sweet and white chocolate chips. This festive dessert offers a delightful twist on traditional holiday fruit cake, perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or gifting. The easy-to-make bars are baked to golden perfection and cooled before slicing, resulting in a sweet, nutty, and richly textured treat.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling and Toppings

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter thoroughly. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a solid base.
  3. Pour condensed milk: Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
  4. Layer candied fruit: Distribute the candied mixed fruit evenly over the condensed milk layer to add sweetness and texture.
  5. Add shredded coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the fruit layer, creating the next flavorful layer.
  6. Sprinkle nuts: Evenly sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts atop the coconut, adding crunch and nutty flavor.
  7. Add chocolate chips: Scatter the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the nuts to introduce rich, melted chocolate flavor.
  8. Top with white chocolate chips: Finish layering by sprinkling the white chocolate chips evenly on top for contrast and sweetness.
  9. Bake bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still chewy.
  10. Cool and cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up, then cut into 16 bars for serving.

Notes

  • Press the crust firmly to help bars hold together when slicing.
  • Chill bars after baking for cleaner cuts and enhanced flavor.
  • You can substitute dried fruit if candied fruit is unavailable.
  • For a nut-free variation, omit nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/fruit-cake-7-layer-bars-recipe/