Date Bars
User Reviews
4.4
Date Bars
Description
This recipe yields Date Bars that feature a buttery, sugar-sweetened base made from all-purpose flour, baking powder, and flavorings like vanilla and salt. The inclusion of finely chopped dates provides moisture and sweetness, while ground walnuts add a delicate nutty note and a mild texture contrast within the bars. Mixing the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly before folding in the fruit and nuts results in an even distribution of flavor and texture throughout the pan.
Baked until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, the bars develop a golden crust atop a tender crumb. Once cooled, cutting into squares yields portable treats suitable for casual snacking or serving with tea or coffee.
Storage at room temperature in an airtight container keeps the bars fresh for about a week. They also freeze well individually wrapped for up to a month. Using ground walnuts instead of chopped ensures a uniform texture without large chunks disrupting the bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
- 4 egg lightly beaten
- 4 tablespoons water cold
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces dates finely chopped, pitted
- 1 cup walnuts ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 10x15-inch jelly roll pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
- Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together the sugar and butter, until combined (it will be crumbly). Add the eggs, water, vanilla extract and salt and beat until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chopped dates and ground walnuts.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool, cut into squares and dust. They can be dusted with powdered sugar, if desired. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use ground walnuts for an even texture; chop finely or purchase pre-ground to avoid large nut pieces.
- Medjool dates are preferred for their softness and sweetness, but other date varieties can be used.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Freeze individual bars wrapped tightly for up to one month; thaw before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 421 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 421kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 79g | 26% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 218mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 479mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 49g | 98% |
| Vitamin A | 140IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 95mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2.5mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
You'll Also Love
