Best 5 Festive Holiday Fruitcake Bark Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our Festive Holiday Fruitcake Bark, a delectable treat that combines the classic flavors of fruitcake with the irresistible charm of chocolate bark. This easy-to-make dessert features a rich and flavorful base made from a combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, all coated in a layer of decadent chocolate. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors, from the chewy dried fruits and crunchy nuts to the smooth and creamy chocolate. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this fruitcake bark is sure to impress with its festive appearance and irresistible taste.

In addition to the classic fruitcake bark, this article also offers variations to suit different tastes and preferences. For those who prefer a tangy twist, the Cranberry Orange Fruitcake Bark is a delightful option, featuring a vibrant blend of cranberries, orange zest, and spices. The Tropical Fruitcake Bark transports you to paradise with its exotic combination of dried pineapple, mango, and coconut. And for those who love a touch of indulgence, the Chocolate Truffle Fruitcake Bark is a luxurious treat, featuring a layer of rich chocolate truffle sandwiched between two layers of fruitcake bark.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this article provides you with detailed and easy-to-follow recipes for each variation of the fruitcake bark. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to create these delicious desserts with confidence. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delightful baking adventure.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FRUITCAKE BARS



Fruitcake Bars image

Bake these brandy-spiked bars up to two days ahead, and cut just before serving.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cookie Recipes

Time 1h15m

Yield Makes 24

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup brandy
5 cups dried fruit (see cooks' note), coarsely chopped
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with butter. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides; butter paper, and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt; set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, heat brandy until simmering. Remove from heat, and stir in fruit; cool to room temperature. Toss brandied fruit with 1 cup flour mixture; set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition; mix in vanilla. With mixer on low, add remaining flour mixture; mix just until combined. Fold in fruit mixture; transfer batter to prepared pan, and smooth top.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 1 hour. Using paper overhang, lift out of pan; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (still on paper). Invert fruitcake, and peel off paper; flip upright, and cut into 24 diamonds with a serrated knife. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE BARS



Holiday Fruitcake Bars image

No time to make a fruitcake for the holidays? This quick bar cookie will satisfy your cravings. This recipe combines the best of several recipes I've tried over the years.

Provided by justcallmetoni

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 40m

Yield 3 dozen, 36 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 eggs
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or 1/2 cup pecans
1 cup candied fruit
1/3 cup currants
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons rum

Steps:

  • Beat eggs with a mixer until they are golden yellow and doubled in volume - 2 or 3 minutes.
  • Add in 1 cup sifted powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Mix together flour, baking powder and salt.
  • Take 2 tablespoons of flour mixture and stir in with candied fruit, nuts and currants, to keep fruit from clumping in the batter.
  • Add the rest of the flour mix to the eggs and sugar.
  • Fold fruit and nuts into batter.
  • Spoon batter into a well greased 11" by 7" pan.
  • Some years I use parchment paper instead.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
  • Mix together rum and second cup of powdered sugar to make a glaze.
  • Spread the icing onto the bars about 5 minutes after they've come out of the oven.
  • Let bars cool and cut into bars.

FESTIVE FRUITCAKE BARS



Festive Fruitcake Bars image

Fruitcake bars deliver the same great flavors of fruitcake with much less time and work.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h55m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups candied cherries
1 package (8 ounces) pitted dates, cut in half
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or filberts
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches. In large bowl, mix 1 cup flour, the brown sugar, butter, orange peel, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and egg with spoon.
  • In medium bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour, the cherries, dates and pecans; stir into brown sugar mixture. Spread in pan.
  • Bake about 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, heat all Orange Glaze ingredients over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly. Drizzle cooled bars with glaze. For bars, cut into 8 rows by 3 rows.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Carbohydrate 37 g, Cholesterol 20 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 130 mg

FESTIVE FRUITCAKE I



Festive Fruitcake I image

This is a large recipe that is rich and dark. Make a few weeks ahead of time. Apple juice can be substituted for orange juice. Originally submitted to CakeRecipe.com.

Provided by Carol

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Holiday Cake Recipes

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 22

12 cups raisins
3 cups dried currants
2 pounds candied mixed fruit
1 pound candied cherries
1 (16 ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
1 ¼ cups dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups butter, softened
2 cups white sugar
12 egg yolks
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons cocoa
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1 cup orange juice
4 cups whole or chopped walnuts
12 egg whites

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease four 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans, and then line with brown paper or foil. Grease again.
  • In a large container stir raisins, currants, candied fruit mix, candied cherries, maraschino cherries, dates, and 1 cup flour together until all the fruit is well coated with flour.
  • Measure 2 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a medium bowl. Stir to mix.
  • In a very large bowl, cream the butter or margarine with the sugar. Beat in egg yolks three at a time. Stir in pineapple with juice and vanilla. Add flour mixture in 3 parts alternately with fruit juice in 2 parts to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in walnuts.
  • In another bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold egg whites into batter, and stir in fruit gently. Divide batter among pans. Smooth.
  • Bake for about 3 hours until an inserted wooden pick comes out clean.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 466.6 calories, Carbohydrate 82.4 g, Cholesterol 71.5 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 5.8 g, SaturatedFat 5.9 g, Sodium 174 mg, Sugar 45.6 g

HOLIDAY FRUITCAKE



Holiday Fruitcake image

This is my own fruitcake recipe and it's a family favorite. The mixture of fruits and nuts helps make it a tasty treat. -Allene Spence, Delbarton, West Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 2h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1-1/2 cups whole red candied cherries
1-1/2 cups whole green candied cherries
3 cups diced candied pineapple
1 pound walnut halves
10 ounces golden raisins
1 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
5 large eggs
4 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°. Combine fruit and nuts. In another bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Pour over fruit and nuts; stir to coat. , Transfer to a greased and floured 10-in. tube pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 2 hours. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap tightly and store in a cool place. Bring to room temperature before serving; slice with a serrated knife.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 686 calories, Fat 32g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 342mg sodium, Carbohydrate 92g carbohydrate (61g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh and dried fruits: Fresh fruits add moisture and flavor to the bark, while dried fruits add sweetness and texture.
  • Chop the fruits into small pieces: This will help them to distribute evenly throughout the bark.
  • Use a variety of nuts: Nuts add crunch and flavor to the bark. Try using a combination of chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, and pistachios.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bark tough. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the pan: This will help the bark to cook evenly.
  • Bake the bark at a low temperature: This will help to prevent it from burning.
  • Let the bark cool completely before cutting it: This will help to prevent it from crumbling.
  • Store the bark in an airtight container at room temperature: It will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Festive Holiday Fruitcake Bark is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for the holidays. With its combination of fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this bark is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover fruitcake you may have after the holidays. So next time you're looking for a festive and delicious treat, give Festive Holiday Fruitcake Bark a try.

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