Short Description

Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars combine the nostalgic charm of holiday fruit cake with the ease and decadence of layered dessert bars. With sweet candied fruit, crunchy almonds, shredded coconut, and a rich graham cracker base all bound together by creamy condensed milk, these bars offer festive flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are a colorful, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers holiday flavor without the fuss of a traditional fruit cake. They’re easy to make, travel well, and slice beautifully for cookie trays, gift boxes, or potlucks. Each layer brings texture and taste—from chewy fruit to crunchy nuts to a sweet, buttery crust.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

graham cracker crumbs
unsalted butter, melted
chopped candied red and green cherries
chopped candied pineapple
golden raisins
chopped almonds
shredded coconut
sweetened condensed milk

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.

2. Layer the Ingredients:

Evenly sprinkle 1 cup chopped candied cherries, 1 cup chopped candied pineapple, 1 cup golden raisins, and 1 cup chopped almonds over the crust.
Spread 1 cup shredded coconut over the fruit and nut layer, distributing it evenly.

3. Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk:

Drizzle one 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire surface to bind the ingredients together.

4. Bake:

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the top is bubbly.
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.

5. Cool and Serve:

Once fully cooled, cut into squares or bars. Serve as is or store for later enjoyment.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes approximately 24 bars
Total Time: About 45 minutes including baking and cooling

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Replace almonds with sunflower seeds or omit entirely.
Spiced Flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday warmth.
Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of mini chocolate chips for a rich finish.
Citrus Zest: Stir in some orange or lemon zest for a bright flavor contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing: Freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature and don’t require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different dried fruits?

Yes, dried cranberries, apricots, or chopped dates work well as substitutes or additions.

Are these bars very sweet?

Yes, they are rich and sweet—ideal for dessert trays or small servings.

How can I make the bars easier to cut?

Chill them before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

Yes, sweetened coconut adds extra sweetness and moisture, but unsweetened can be used for a lighter version.

Do I need to toast the nuts first?

Toasting the almonds enhances flavor, but it’s optional.

Can I use a different crust base?

Yes, try crushed gingersnaps or vanilla wafers for a twist on the graham crust.

What’s the best way to pack these for gifts?

Wrap individual bars in parchment and place in festive tins or boxes with wax paper between layers.

Can I make this in a smaller pan?

You can halve the recipe for an 8×8-inch pan; adjust baking time accordingly.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The edges will turn golden and the center will be set with bubbling around the sides.

Are these suitable for mailing?

Yes, they are sturdy enough to ship when well-wrapped and kept cool.

Conclusion

Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars are a festive twist on a holiday classic, combining the vibrant flavors of candied fruit and rich condensed milk in a convenient, shareable format. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting a homemade treat, or simply enjoying the season’s sweets, these bars are sure to spread cheer and satisfy every sweet tooth.

Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These festive Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars are a delightful fusion of traditional holiday fruit cake and classic layered dessert bars. Packed with candied fruit, nuts, coconut, and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, they’re perfect for gifting or seasonal gatherings. Keyword: fruit cake 7-layer bars

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped candied red and green cherries
1 cup chopped candied pineapple
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped almonds
1 cup shredded coconut
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Layer the Ingredients:
Evenly sprinkle the candied cherries, pineapple, golden raisins, and chopped almonds over the crust.
Top with shredded coconut, ensuring even distribution.
Add Sweetened Condensed Milk:
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the entire layered mixture.
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and the top is bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
Allow to cool completely in the pan. Cut into bars or squares and serve.