A festive layered cookie bar loaded with nuts, candied and dried fruits.

Chocolate Chip Fruitcake Bars

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

 

Vanilla Filling:

2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped candied red or green maraschino cherries or a combination of both
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts

1. Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
2. Beat butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla in large bowl until creamy.
3. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Spread evenly into prepared pan.
4. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned; remove from oven. Do not turn oven off. Cool crust about 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, prepare Vanilla Filling: Beat sugar, milk, butter, egg and vanilla in small bowl until smooth.
6. Add flour, baking soda and salt; beat until well blended. Spread filling evenly over crust.
7. Sprinkle cherries, apricots, raisins, chocolate chips and nuts over top. Return to oven.
8. Bake 15 minutes or until center is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Makes about 36 bars.