There’s something truly special about a homemade fruitcake, and this Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake is no exception. Packed with the goodness of dried apricots, raisins, and crunchy walnuts, this delightful treat is perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. Let’s dive into the easy-to-follow recipe and create a heartwarming masterpiece together!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups raisins
• 2 cups dried apricots, roughly chopped
• 1 1/4 cups white sugar
• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups glace cherries, roughly chopped (mix of red and green)
• 1 cup mixed peel
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to a cozy 200 degrees, setting the stage for the warm aromas of baking.
• Prepare two loaf pans by lightly coating them with non-stick cooking spray and lining them with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal of your delicious fruitcakes later on.

1. Simmer and Soak:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, create a delightful concoction by combining 1/4 cup of white sugar, chopped apricots, raisins, and water.
• Let this mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Witness the magic as the fruits soak up the flavors and become a juicy, flavorful medley. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool.

1. Creamy Base:

• While the fruit mixture cools, let’s create a creamy base by creaming together softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and the remaining 1 cup of sugar.

1. Eggcellent Addition:

• Add the eggs one at a time to the creamy mixture, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next.

1. Fruitful Fusion:

• Now, fold in the cooled apricot and raisin mixture, making sure to include the liquid gold. Mix it all together to create a luscious base.

1. Flour Power:

• Time to add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the mix. Combine well to form a smooth batter.

1. Fruit and Nut Symphony:

• Gently fold in the glace cherries, mixed peel, and the star of the show – the chopped walnuts. Watch as the batter transforms into a colorful and textured symphony of flavors.

1. Bake to Perfection:

• Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pans, tapping them on the countertop to ensure the batter settles evenly.
• Bake for approximately 55 minutes. To check if your fruitcakes are ready, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your loaves are done; otherwise, bake for an additional 5 minutes and retest.

1. Cooling Elegance:

• Once baked to perfection, let the loaves rest in the pans for 10 minutes before gracefully transferring them onto wire cooling racks.

1. Slice and Savor:

• Allow the cakes to cool completely before indulging in the joy of slicing and savoring each delectable bite.

This Apricot and Walnut Fruitcake is not just a recipe; it’s a journey into the heart of homemade goodness. Share the love and the slices with friends and family, or simply treat yourself to a moment of sweetness. Enjoy!

BONUS RECIPE: THE BEST CHEESECAKE BARS (SNACK BARS) IN PHILADELPHIA

These easy Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are made with a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with fresh strawberry topping and a white chocolate drizzle. They’re a dead ringer for the original Philadelphia Snack Bars! They’re also easy to make and eliminate the need for a full cheesecake.

With fresh strawberry sauce and white chocolate, these Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet treat!

These Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars taste exactly like the original Philadelphia Snack Bars, but they’re much better. They begin with traditional Philadelphia cream cheese bars, but are elevated to new heights with the addition of sticky strawberry topping and a drizzle of white chocolate on top. Really, really good!

If you like cheesecake, try this White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake or this Blackberry Cheesecake. We have dessert dishes for every taste.

WHY ARE PHILADELPHIA SNACK BARS AMAZING?
The centre is creamy (rather than rubbery or grainy).
Fresh strawberries are used to make a beautiful red, sticky, and tasty topping.
Much simpler than a traditional cheesecake.
There is no need for a water bath.

INGREDIENTS

PHILADELPHIA CHEESECAKE BARS HOW TO MAKE
Prepare the crust: Combine the crumbs and butter thoroughly, then press firmly into an 8 or 9-inch baking pan (affiliate).
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and vanilla on medium speed. Then, on low, mix the eggs. Pour over the crust that has been prepared.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is slightly underset, at 350°F. Allow to cool after removing from the oven.
To make the topping, follow these steps: While the bars are baking, heat the strawberry sauce ingredients for around 15 minutes on the burner. Then set aside to cool.
Assemble the cheesecake by cutting it into 8-10 bars. Then drizzle with melted white chocolate chips and top with the strawberry topping.

Prepare the crust, then assemble the filling and bake! Make the strawberry sauce while the bars are baking.
FOR A GROUP
Depending on the size of the pan, one recipe yields 8-10 bars. To serve more people, cut these into smaller bars, or double the recipe and bake in two separate pans. This would make a great summer, Valentine’s Day, 4th of July, or Christmas treat!

QUESTIONS AND REPLIES
Why were Philadelphia cheesecake bars discontinued?
This is a reasonable question to which we may never have an answer… However, the homemade version of Philadelphia snack bars is far superior!

How should I keep my strawberry cheesecake snack bars?
Refrigerate in an airtight jar for 2-3 days.

Can you make and freeze cream cheese bars?
You may make the bars and topping ahead of time and keep them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Within a few hours of serving, add the topping.

The bars can be frozen for up to two months. It’s ideal to freeze them without the topping and then top them with it right before serving, but you can freeze them with it if necessary. Unwrap them on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid, then wrap in plastic and foil or store in an airtight container.

TRICKS AND TIPS
Don’t overcook! This is essential for achieving a creamy, smooth texture.
The edges of the bars may be puffy when you take them out, but they should fall flat as they cool.
Cook the strawberry sauce slowly and for a long time. This is essential for achieving the deep red color and vibrant flavor.
Using a large, sharp knife, cut neat, even slices. To keep the cuts smooth, wipe the blade clean between cuts.