Old Fashioned Fruitcake Bars

Fruitcake has a negative connotation, but dont let that deter you from tasting these Old Fashioned Fruitcake Bars. The spices and dried fruits in these Christmas bar cookies make them a unique and colorful way to celebrate a tasty tradition.

Notes

3 -4 doz. bars

Ingredients

2 eggs
1/4 cup butter, melted
14 can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
15 ounces jar applesauce (about 2 cups)
3 cups biscuit baking mix
1 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup red candied cherries, chopped
3/4 cup green candied cherries, chopped
1 cup chopped nuts
1 cup raisins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Grease and flour a 15 x 10" baking pan.
In a large mixer bowl, beat eggs, butter, condensed milk, and vanilla.
Add applesauce and blend well. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well.
Spread evenly into pan and bake 35 - 40 min. or until tested done (wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean). Cool in pan on wire rack.
If desired, sprinkle with confectioner's sugar before cutting into bars. Store tightly covered at room temperature.