Date And Chocolate Chip Bars
Chewy, rich date and chocolate chip bars combine sweet dates, chocolate chips, and nuts for a delightful treat perfect for snacking or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together chopped dates, boiling water, and baking soda; set aside to cool.
- Cream together butter and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Add two well-beaten eggs to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Add the cooled date mixture.
- Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder; add to the mixture.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the top with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and sugar.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you don't have chopped dates, raisins or dried apricots can work as a substitute. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. These bars are similar to Fruit Cake Bonbons in texture and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside Pineapple Cheese Pie during gatherings. You can also cut them into smaller squares for easy sharing at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date and Chocolate Chip Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date And Chocolate Chip Bars contains roughly 228 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 909mg per serving (40% 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chopped nuts with walnuts, pecans, or even almonds based on your preference. Each nut will add a unique flavor and texture to the bars, enhancing the overall experience.
What can I do if I don't have enough dates?
If you're short on dates, you can replace them with a combination of dried fruits like figs or prunes. Just ensure that the total quantity remains around 1 cup to maintain the moisture level in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free as well.
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).