Mama's Easy No Bake Fruitcake

3 rolls servings Prep: 30 m Cook: PT0M Total: 30 m Beginner
Mama made this easy fruitcake for Christmas with vanilla wafers, pecans, dates, candied cherries, and pineapple. No baking required—just mix, roll, chill, and slice. It’s a holiday tradition that comes together in minutes and tastes like you fussed all day.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces box vanilla wafers crushed
  • 1 can condensed milk
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1 - 8 ounce dates chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup coconut
  • 4 ounces red candied cherries
  • 4 ounces green candied cherries
  • 4 ounces candied red pineapple chopped
  • 4 ounces candied gold pineapple

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. The mixture will be thick and sticky—you may need to use your hands to mix it thoroughly. If mixing by hand, wear disposable gloves to keep things tidy.
  2. Divide the dough into 3 equal parts.
  3. Form each part into a long roll, about 8-10 inches long and 2 inches in diameter.
  4. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Chill for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until firm enough to slice.
  5. When ready to serve, unwrap rolls and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Serve and enjoy!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my mixture too dry to form rolls?

A: Make sure you're using a full can of condensed milk (14 ounces). The crushed vanilla wafers should be finely ground—larger crumbs won't absorb the moisture as well. If it's still too dry, you can add another tablespoon or two of condensed milk.

Q: How long does this need to chill before slicing?

A: At least 2-3 hours, but overnight is best. The rolls need to firm up enough to slice cleanly without crumbling. If you're in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for an hour.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These rolls keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks when tightly wrapped, or freeze for up to 3 months. The flavors actually meld and improve after a day or two.

Tips and Techniques

Use a food processor to crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs—it’s faster and more consistent than doing it by hand. For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla wafers: graham crackers
  • candied pineapple: dried pineapple chunks
  • dates: dried figs or dried apricots
  • pecans: walnuts

Equipment Needed

  • Food processor (for crushing vanilla wafers)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Plastic wrap
  • Disposable gloves (optional, for easier mixing)

Historical Context

No-bake fruitcakes became popular in the South as a simpler alternative to traditional baked fruitcakes, which require weeks of aging and periodic brandy treatments. This version captures the festive spirit without heating up the kitchen—perfect for Louisiana’s mild winters.