Fruity 7-Layer Fruit Cake Bars Recipe You’ll Keep Making

Sweet layers of nostalgia and pure indulgence converge in these delectable 7-layer fruit cake bars that promise a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each bar combines rich, buttery graham cracker crust with luscious fruit and creamy chocolate chips.

Condensed milk cascades through the layers, binding every delightful ingredient with silky sweetness.

Nuts add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, gooey elements perfectly.

Colorful dried fruits peek through the layers, creating a visual feast that matches the incredible taste.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist these irresistible bars that blend comfort and luxury in every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 16

What Goes Into Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Delivers a buttery, crisp foundation that adds delightful texture and rich base flavor to the bars.
• Butter: Melts and binds the crumbs together, creating a golden, sturdy base that supports all other layers.

• Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical sweetness and delicate, chewy texture that complements other ingredients.
• Dried Fruits: Provides natural sweetness, concentrated flavor bursts, and delightful chewiness throughout the dessert.
• Mixed Nuts: Adds satisfying crunch, earthy undertones, and nutritional richness to enhance overall taste profile.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Acts as a luscious, sticky binder that holds layers together and creates a creamy, decadent finish.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient that melts into gooey pockets, introducing rich chocolate notes and extra indulgence.

Tools That Help Layer Fruit Cake Bars Easily

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect bar size.
• Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures easy removal of bars from pan.
• Medium bowl: Needed for mixing graham cracker crust.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurement.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix crust and spread layers evenly.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting cooled bars into neat squares.
• Cooling rack (optional): Helpful for cooling bars after baking.

Assemble and Bake Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep things from sticking.

• Create the Crispy Base

Zap the butter until it’s melted and mix it thoroughly with graham cracker crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan, creating a solid foundation for your delicious treat.

• Build Your Flavor Tower

Start layering your goodies: sprinkle coconut across the crust, then shower it with a colorful mix of dried fruits and crunchy nuts. If you’re feeling indulgent, toss some chocolate chips into the mix. Pour sweetened condensed milk over everything, letting it seep into all the delicious nooks and crannies.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden top and layers that have settled into a mouth-watering masterpiece.

• Slice and Serve

Once cooled completely, cut your creation into squares. The waiting is the hardest part, but it ensures your layers hold together perfectly for a stunning presentation.

Tips That Keep These Bars Sweet and Balanced

• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, crisp edges and a perfectly set layered texture.
• Swap dried fruits based on seasonal availability or personal preference – try cranberries, apricots, or a mix of tropical dried fruits for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free versions, replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Vegans can substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Skip nuts entirely or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies while maintaining a similar crunch.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Serve Fruit Cake Bars for Holiday Dessert Trays

• Sweet Breakfast Partner: Pair these decadent fruit cake bars with a steaming cup of morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.
• Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the bars alongside other bite-sized treats like mini brownies or cookies to create an impressive dessert spread for gatherings.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade edible gift that friends and family will cherish, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Afternoon Snack Companion: Pack these bars in lunchboxes or enjoy them as a quick energy-boosting snack between meals, delivering a burst of sweet and nutty flavors.

Store the Bars in an Airtight Container

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or sealed lid to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for extended enjoyment. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to retain optimal texture and taste.
• Prepare bars in advance and store at room temperature for 2-3 days in sealed container. Perfect for meal prep or surprise gatherings, these bars maintain their delightful layers and rich flavors.
• Cut bars into uniform sizes before storing. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and make grabbing a quick treat super easy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in these fruit cake 7-layer bars?

The key ingredients include graham cracker crumbs, butter, shredded coconut, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk.

• Can I customize the dried fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can mix and match dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, apricots, and cherries based on your preference or what you have available.

• Are these bars suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These bars contain nuts and dairy, so they may not be ideal for those with nut allergies or lactose intolerance. For a dairy-free version, you could try using coconut condensed milk.

• How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these fruit cake 7-layer bars will stay fresh for about 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Decadent Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

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Description

Layered fruit cake bars blend nostalgic family recipes with modern baking techniques. Rich chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits create a delectable dessert that connects generations through sweet memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (150g) mixed dried fruits (chopped candied cherries, raisins, apricots, etc.)
• 1 cup (120g) chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• 1 cup (120g) shredded coconut
• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (125 mL) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Activate oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or apply light grease.
2. Crust Formation: Merge melted butter with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly and evenly across the baking dish bottom to create a solid foundation.
3. Layer Construction: Systematically arrange layers by sprinkling shredded coconut, followed by an even distribution of dried fruits, mixed nuts, and chocolate chips across the entire surface.
4. Binding Process: Cascade sweetened condensed milk over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and penetration between components.
5. Baking Technique: Position the assembled dish in the preheated oven, monitoring for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a rich golden-brown color and layers appear fully set.
6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the baked creation to cool completely within the pan, enabling layers to solidify and facilitating precise, clean cutting into uniform square or rectangular portions.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Use parchment paper overhang for easy removal and clean slicing of bars without breaking layers.
• Distribute Ingredients Evenly: Gently spread coconut, fruits, and nuts uniformly to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
• Monitor Baking Carefully: Watch closely during last 5 minutes to achieve perfect golden-brown color without burning delicate ingredients.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow bars to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour to help layers bind and make cutting cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg