3 Ingredients Candied Fruit Shortbread

Baking doesn't get any easier than just 3 ingredients, a mixing bowl, and a spatula. Does it? These candied fruit shortbread, also called tutti frutti shortbread, are an absolute treat to bake and eat. It takes 5 minutes to mix and 20 minutes to bake. Perfect to have in the cookie jar during the holiday season or for whoever loves candied fruit.

Table of Content

• About these squares
• Ingredients and substitutes
• Step by step instructions
• You may also like
• Printable Recipe
• Join the conversation

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There are those of us that love candied fruit and there are those that can't stand the sight of them. I happen to love candied fruit and fruitcakes, but Ziv can't stand candied fruit. My kids have favorites and you catch them eating a few sometimes while otherwise, they won't touch it.

My mom made these with homemade condensed milk and used dates and walnuts. She didn't make bars or squares. Instead, she made cookies with this batter. Yup, she would drop the batter on a cookie sheet and bake them for 10 minutes. The cookies would be delicious. A little firm on the outside and softer towards the center. I once tried these into squares like this and never went back to making the cookies again. I think I like an even texture and softness you get with these squares.

About these squares

Honestly, can you think of anything more simple, or easy to bake? I can eat condensed milk by the spoon from a can and this one takes it to the next level. I should be calling these condensed milk squares because these are so delicious. My kids don't fancy candied fruit, but they only eat this because they love condensed milk.

As you can see in the video below, I have made only half the batch. Because, I made two batches this week before I decided I wanted to share them on the blog. So yes, your shortbread will be a bit thicker than mine. A word of advice - watch the oven after 20 minutes, so you do not brown them too much.

Ingredients and substitutes

• Condensed milk - This one ingredient has a lot to offer.  Lots of milk fats, sugar, and richness. So, it takes care of sweetness and richness in the recipe. You can make your own from traditional or in just 5 mins
• Flour - Regular all-purpose flour works great. If you choose, you can use self-raising flour for a lighter texture. But, I love my shortbread crumbly and dense.
  A friend used whole wheat flour successfully, another friend made it gluten-free flour for her daughter. They both claimed to enjoy the recipe, but I have not tested it, so I can't give you a definite answer.
• Candied fruit - These are candied fruit. Usually, the peel of the fruits that are candied then cut. You can buy these pre-cut like I have here or cut them yourself, which is what my mom use to do. If you have to cut them yourself, I highly recommend adding 2 tablespoon of the flour to the fruit, so it's as dry as I have in the recipe.

Step by step instructions

• Preheat the oven to 160C / 320 F.
• Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a bowl - combine condensed milk and flour well.
• Add candied fruit, leave a few to sprinkle on top.
• Combine well.
• Pour into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake on the center rack for 20 minutes.
• Cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
• Cut into 16 squares as shown in the video.
• If stored well, these squares will stay good for up to 2 weeks.

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Printable Recipe