Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars: Easy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe
This Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars recipe is an easy and festive holiday dessert that layers a graham cracker crust with sweetened condensed milk, candied fruit, coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips. Baked to golden perfection, these bars combine rich flavors and textures in a simple no-fuss treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a nostalgic, colorful dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling and Layers
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup candied mixed fruit (cherries and pineapple)
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together until well combined, then press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust layer.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust layer, ensuring good coverage for a rich base.
- Layer the candied fruit: Sprinkle the candied mixed fruit evenly over the condensed milk layer to add color and festive sweetness.
- Add shredded coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly across the fruit layer to add texture and tropical flavor.
- Add nuts and chocolate chips: Evenly distribute the chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the coconut, then sprinkle both the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips evenly over all the layers for a layered chocolate finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool and slice: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into bars for serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, soak the dried fruit in rum overnight before assembling for a boozy twist.
- These bars freeze very well—individually wrap them and freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
- Be sure to cool the bars completely before slicing to achieve clean edges and prevent crumbling.
