Southern No-Bake Fruit & Nut Delight
Experience a refreshing twist on the classic fruitcake with this Southern No-Bake Fruit & Nut Delight. This delightful treat is a celebration of vibrant flavors, combining fluffy marshmallows, sweet maraschino cherries, and nutritious pecans, all bound together by creamy condensed milk and crunchy graham cracker crumbs. Perfect for warm gatherings or as a refreshing dessert to beat the heat, this recipe, handed down from Granmama, requires no baking and no aging – just pure, delightful simplicity that everyone will love!
12
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham Crackers
1 lb (Crushed into fine crumbs)
Raisins
1 lb (Soaked in hot water for 30 minutes to puff)
Pecans
1/2 lb (Chopped)
Maraschino Cherries
1 (16 ounce) jar (Drained and cut in half (if whole))
Marshmallows
24 big (Melted)
Condensed Milk
1 (14 ounce) can
Coconut
Optional (Shredded or flaked)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs and set aside.
2
2. For the raisins, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes until plump, then drain and set aside.
3
3. Chop the pecans into small pieces and prepare the maraschino cherries by draining their syrup and cutting them in half (if they are whole).
4
4. In a saucepan, melt the marshmallows with the condensed milk over low heat until smooth and creamy, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.
5
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, puffed raisins, chopped pecans, and halved cherries. Slowly pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
6
6. Transfer the mixture into a regular-sized loaf pan, pressing it down firmly to pack it in tightly.
7
7. For an added touch, sprinkle shredded coconut over the top if desired.
8
8. Cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow it to set properly.
9
9. Once chilled, use a hot knife to slice the fruitcake into desired portions before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern No-Bake Fruit & Nut Delight?
It is a refreshing, no-bake twist on traditional fruitcake that combines marshmallows, maraschino cherries, pecans, and graham cracker crumbs.
Do I need an oven for this recipe?
No, this is a no-bake recipe that sets in the refrigerator overnight.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains about 200 calories.
What is the fat content for one serving?
One serving contains 7.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dessert contain protein?
Yes, it provides 2.5g of protein per serving.
How many marshmallows are required?
The recipe calls for 24 big marshmallows.
What kind of milk is used for the binding?
One 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk is used.
How do I prepare the raisins?
Soak 1 lb of raisins in hot water for 30 minutes until plump, then drain them.
Why should the raisins be soaked?
Soaking the raisins in hot water helps them puff up and stay soft within the dense fruitcake.
What type of nuts are used in this Southern recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of chopped pecans.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
How should I prepare the graham crackers?
You need 1 lb of graham crackers crushed into fine crumbs.
What preparation is needed for the maraschino cherries?
Drain one 16-ounce jar and cut the cherries in half if they are whole.
How do I melt the marshmallow mixture?
Melt the marshmallows with the condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
Can I melt the marshmallows in the microwave?
While the recipe suggests a saucepan, you can use a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
What type of pan should I use to shape the delight?
A regular-sized loaf pan is perfect for molding this dessert.
How do I pack the mixture into the pan?
Press the mixture down firmly into the loaf pan to ensure it is packed tightly and holds its shape.
Is coconut required for this recipe?
Coconut is an optional topping that can be shredded or flaked over the top.
How long does the Southern No-Bake Delight need to chill?
It should be covered and refrigerated overnight to allow it to set properly.
What is the best way to slice the fruitcake?
Use a hot knife to slice the chilled fruitcake into clean portions.
Does this fruitcake require aging?
Unlike traditional fruitcakes, this no-bake version requires no aging and is ready after chilling overnight.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 7 main ingredients including the optional coconut.
What is the weight of graham crackers used?
The recipe requires 1 lb of graham crackers.
How many pecans are needed by weight?
You will need 1/2 lb of pecans.
Is this a good dessert for warm weather?
Yes, it is a refreshing dessert that is served chilled and requires no oven heat.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of large ones?
Yes, you can substitute approximately 3 cups of mini marshmallows for the 24 large ones.
Where did this recipe originate?
This recipe is a traditional Southern treat handed down from the creator's Granmama.