Easy Fruitcake Bars

Name: Easy Fruitcake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 dozen.
Ingredients: 1 cup golden raisins; 1 cup chopped dates; 1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit; 1/4 cup apple juice; 4 large eggs; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts

There's a sweet surprise in every bite of this fruitcake-like treat. The bars keep well in the freezer, so they can be enjoyed long after the holiday season's over.

Ingredients

1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup chopped mixed candied fruit
1/4 cup apple juice
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vanilla and orange zest until blended. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to sugar mixture until well combined. Stir in walnuts and the reserved fruit mixture.
Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Editor's Note: Baked bars may be frozen in an air-tight container for up to 3 months.