Chipmunks (Mom'S)
A rich, chocolatey dessert featuring dates, cocoa, and chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and ideal for sharing at gatherings or family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine boiling water and chopped dates; let cool.
- Cream shortening and sugar; add beaten eggs and vanilla.
- Sift cocoa, flour, and salt together.
- Add dry ingredients and date mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread batter evenly in the pan.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you want a healthier option, substitute half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. You can also add in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness. Make sure to let the date mixture cool completely to avoid melting the shortening when combined.
Serving Suggestions
These chipmunks are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other American recipes like Chocolate Cake Using Cocoa or Deleeta Bites for a fun gathering treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chipmunks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for a week or freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chipmunks (Mom'S) contains roughly 452 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of sweetener in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that brown sugar may add extra moisture, so you might want to adjust the drying ingredients slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What if I don't have chocolate chips?
If you don't have chocolate chips, you can chop up a chocolate bar or use any other type of baking chips like butterscotch or peanut butter chips. Alternatively, you can skip the chips altogether and add extra nuts or dried fruits for added texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum, or add it separately to ensure the right texture in your chipmunks.
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).