This No-Bake Fruit and Nut Delight is a festive treat that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions. Combining the richness of dried fruits, the crunch of nuts, and a creamy base, this easy, no-bake dessert melts in your mouth and is sure to impress.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 24 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Calories: Approx. 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients:
- 100g (3.5 oz) prunes, rinsed with warm water
- 100g (3.5 oz) raisins, rinsed with warm water
- 100g (3.5 oz) dried apricots, rinsed with warm water
- 100g (3.5 oz) roasted peanuts, cooled slightly
- 70g (2.5 oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
- 400g (14 oz) sour cream (25%), at room temperature
- 300g (10.5 oz) condensed milk, at room temperature
- 300g (10.5 oz) fine crackers, crushed
Directions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the prunes, raisins, and dried apricots with warm water and set them aside to drain.
- Let the roasted peanuts cool slightly, then roughly chop them, along with the walnuts and dried fruits.
2. Mix the Cream Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream and condensed milk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the chopped prunes, raisins, apricots, roasted peanuts, and walnuts to the cream mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Crush the fine crackers and mix them into the fruit and nut mixture, making sure everything is well incorporated.
4. Form the Dessert:
- Line a rectangular or square dish with cling film, leaving enough overhang to cover the top.
- Pour the mixture into the dish, pressing it down firmly to ensure there are no air pockets.
- Fold the cling film over the top and place a flat weight, such as another dish or a pan, on top to compress the mixture.
5. Chill:
- Refrigerate the dish for 24 hours to allow the dessert to set and the flavors to meld.
6. Serve:
- Once set, remove the dessert from the refrigerator, unwrap, and cut into slices or squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday Treat: Serve as a dessert at festive gatherings or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.
- Extra Garnish: Top with additional dried fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Ingredient Prep: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out the dried fruits and nuts to suit your preferences.
- Control Sweetness: Reduce the amount of condensed milk if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This dessert freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- No-Bake: Requires no baking, making it simple and quick to prepare.
- Versatile: You can easily switch up the fruits and nuts to match your tastes.
- Festive Favorite: Perfect for Christmas, holidays, or any special occasion.
Enjoy this No-Bake Fruit and Nut Delight for a rich, creamy, and wholesome dessert that’s sure to please!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use different types of dried fruits and nuts?
Yes! Feel free to customize the recipe by using your favorite dried fruits such as cranberries, figs, or dates. You can also swap the peanuts and walnuts for almonds, pistachios, or pecans to suit your taste. - Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, you can substitute the sour cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream, and use a dairy-free condensed milk made from coconut or soy. - How can I make this less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of condensed milk or choose unsweetened dried fruits to cut down on the sweetness. - What type of crackers should I use?
You can use any type of fine crackers like digestive biscuits or graham crackers. For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free crackers or biscuits. - Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! Since this dessert needs to chill for 24 hours, it’s perfect for making ahead of time. You can even prepare it up to 2 days in advance. - How do I prevent the dessert from being too soggy?
Be sure to thoroughly dry the dried fruits after rinsing them, and don’t over-soak them. Using room temperature ingredients will also help maintain the right texture. - What can I use instead of cling film to line the dish?
If you prefer not to use cling film, parchment paper works well as an alternative lining for the dish. - Can I freeze this dessert for later?
Yes, this dessert freezes well! You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. - How should I serve this dessert?
Serve it chilled, cut into slices or squares. You can also garnish with extra dried fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added flavor and presentation. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free crackers in place of regular crackers to make this dessert gluten-free.