Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The oven should be fully preheated before you begin preparing the bars, ensuring even baking. This temperature will allow the layers to bake evenly and develop a nice golden color. Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the center to avoid over-baking or uneven cooking.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or non-stick cooking spray. If you prefer, you can line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
3. In the prepared baking dish, evenly spread out a layer of the shredded coconut, if you are using it. The coconut adds a sweet and chewy texture to the bars. Make sure the layer is as even as possible, covering the entire base of the dish. If you’re skipping the coconut, move directly to the next layer.
4. Drizzle ½ tsp of vanilla extract evenly over the coconut layer. This will infuse the coconut with a warm, aromatic flavor that will complement the other layers. Be sure to distribute the vanilla extract evenly so that every bite of the bars has that wonderful flavor.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top. Salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the richness of the other ingredients. It may seem like a small amount, but it plays an essential role in enhancing the flavor profile of these bars. Avoid using too much salt; just a small pinch is enough to bring out the best in the other flavors.
6. At this point, you’ll have built the foundation for your bars. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the coconut is golden brown and the edges of the layers are beginning to crisp up. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. The bars should have a firm texture, and the top should be golden and slightly crisp.
7. Once the Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish for at least 10-15 minutes. This cooling period allows the layers to set and firm up, making it easier to cut them into bars. The smell of the coconut and vanilla should be delightful, and the top will have a slight crunch, while the center remains soft and chewy.
8. After cooling, carefully cut the bars into squares or rectangles of your preferred size. These bars are rich and filling, so smaller portions work best. You can use a sharp knife to cut through the layers cleanly. The final product will have a slight chewiness from the coconut, a light crunch on top, and a delightful sweet and salty balance.
9. Serve the Fruit Cake 7-Layer Bars on a platter, and enjoy them with a warm beverage like tea or coffee for a comforting treat. These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. They make for a perfect dessert after a hearty meal, or as a sweet snack with friends and family.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips