Moist Fruitcake Bars Savory Flavor in Every Bite

Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (such as raisins, apricots, and cranberries)
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.25 cup honey
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey together until creamy and smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined.
6. Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and enjoy!