Anna'S Super Duper Bars
Anna's Super Duper Bars are rich, chocolatey treats packed with dates, walnuts, and cocoa, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for snack lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook dates, hot water, and 1 teaspoon of soda until mushy. Then cool.
- Add margarine, white sugar, and eggs to the cooled date mixture.
- Mix well and add flour, cocoa, and salt.
- Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Top with chocolate bits and chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half the margarine with applesauce for a lighter option. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. Make sure to let the date mixture cool completely before adding eggs to avoid scrambling them.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are perfect as a sweet snack or dessert. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy them alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anna'S Super Duper Bars contains roughly 677 calories, with 8g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 949mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh dates instead of dried dates?
Fresh dates will have a different moisture content compared to dried ones, so you may need to adjust the water amount. If you use fresh dates, consider reducing the hot water to half a cup and blending until smooth before adding to the batter.
What can I substitute for margarine?
You can substitute margarine with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. For a healthier alternative, try using unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas, but this may alter the texture slightly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, to make gluten-free bars, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture of the bars.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).