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Fruit Cake Cheesecake Bars – Festive Fruit & Nut Treats

Fruit Cake Cheesecake Bars – Festive Fruit & Nut Treats

Description

Hello, dessert lovers! Are you ready to elevate your holiday baking game? If you’re looking for a sweet and festive treat that blends the rich flavors of a classic fruit cake with the creaminess of cheesecake, then you’re in for a delightful surprise! Fruit Cake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of chewy, fruity, nutty goodness with the smooth texture of cheesecake. These bars make an ideal addition to any holiday dessert spread or cozy gathering, bringing the taste of nostalgia in every bite. Whether you call it Fruit Cake Cheesecake Bars or Festive Fruit and Nut Cheesecake Layer Bars, this recipe will surely become a new family favorite. Let’s dive into this irresistible treat!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    Pro tip: Use gluten-free graham crackers if needed.
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
    Tip: For a dairy-free option, substitute with melted coconut oil or vegan butter.

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    Substitute: For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut sweetened condensed milk.
  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
    Make it vegan by using a plant-based cream cheese substitute.
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
    If you’re egg-free, a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works well.

Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup candied cherries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds
    Swap with any nuts you prefer, like walnuts or cashews.
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
    To make this dairy-free, use vegan white chocolate chips.
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated with butter.
  3. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Ensure it’s evenly distributed and packed down firmly using the back of a spoon.

Step 2: Cream Cheese Layer

  1. In a separate bowl, beat the 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add in 1 egg and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can cause cracks in the cheesecake layer.
  3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, making sure to cover the entire surface.

Step 3: Drizzle the Condensed Milk

  1. Now, drizzle the 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the cream cheese layer. This will add a rich sweetness to the bars and help bind the toppings.

Step 4: Add the Festive Fruit and Nuts

  1. Evenly sprinkle the 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries, 1/2 cup chopped pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup chopped almonds, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, and 1/2 cup shredded coconut (if using) on top of the condensed milk layer. You can gently press them down with a spatula to ensure they adhere to the condensed milk.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

  1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
  2. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. You can refrigerate them for 1-2 hours to firm up the cheesecake layer for cleaner slices.

Now, your delicious Fruit Cake Cheesecake Bars are ready to serve!

Equipment

Notes

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps. Cold cream cheese won’t blend well and may result in a bumpy texture.
  • Condensed Milk Drizzle: Be sure to evenly drizzle the sweetened condensed milk to create a smooth, even layer that binds the toppings together.
  • Press Down Toppings: After adding the fruit and nut toppings, use a spatula to gently press them down so they stay in place while baking.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/fruit-cake-cheesecake-bars-festive-fruit-nut-treats/