Date Squares with Coconut
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Servings
20 people
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Calories
126 kcal
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Course
Dessert
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Date Squares with Coconut
Description
Date Squares with Coconut begin with a finely crushed digestive biscuit or graham cracker crust mixed with melted butter and optional cinnamon. This mixture is pressed firmly into a square baking pan forming a sturdy base. Soft pitted dates and chopped walnuts are spread evenly on top, then lines of sweetened condensed milk are drizzled over. Shredded dried coconut is sprinkled last to add flavor and texture. Baking at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes develops a golden, set topping and crust.
The bars combine a crunchy, buttery base with chewy date filling and the richness of condensed milk and walnuts. The toasted shredded coconut on top adds a subtle tropical note and textural contrast. These squares can be served as finger bars or dessert slices, suitable for snack times or gatherings.
To ensure the crust binds well, the biscuit crumbs should be very fine and mixed evenly with butter. Pressing the crust firmly and chilling briefly before baking helps with structure. The recipe can be doubled for larger pans. Variations can include pecans instead of walnuts. Warmed slightly and served with vanilla ice cream enhances the experience.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups digestive biscuits 10 digestive biscuits, 12 graham crackers (155g/6oz, or graham crackers
- 1/2 tick unsalted butter 55 g, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon optional
For the topping:
- 150 g dates 5 oz, I used 13 dates, soft, pitted and cut in half
- 1/2 cup walnuts 60 g, chopped
- 3-4 tablespoon coconut shredded, dried
- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk 200g, 8 oz
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Prepare an 8x8 inch square pan by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper.
- Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers into a fine powder either by using a food processor or by placing in a large ziploc bag and whacking with a rolling pin.
- Place the biscuit crumbs in a large bowl, add the melted butter and cinnamon if using and mix well until combined and all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press crumbs tightly into the base of the prepared pan.
- Scatter the dates evenly on the base, followed by the chopped walnuts.
- Drizzled the condensed milk in lines evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle on the shredded coconut.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set. Let the bars cool completely before lifting out of the pan and slicing into even squares.
Notes
- Store leftover squares in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days; they maintain freshness well.
- These bars freeze well for up to 4 weeks; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Ensure biscuit crumbs are finely ground for better binding with butter.
- Press the crust tightly into the pan and chill for 10-15 minutes to improve structure.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans for different flavor and texture.
- Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 126 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 126kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 9mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 76mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 116mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 98IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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