Date And Walnut Bars
Sweet and chewy date and walnut bars with a buttery crumble topping, perfect for snacking or dessert, offering rich flavors of dates and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates and water.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and chopped walnuts.
- Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the date mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the crumbly mixture over the date layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb mixture. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Ensure the dates are moist; if they are dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes before chopping. This will make them easier to blend into the mixture. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free flour.
Serving Suggestions
These date and walnut bars make a perfect snack or dessert on their own. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a fun twist, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring American recipes like Golden Coconut Cake or Nut Wafers.
Storage & Reheating
Store the date and walnut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, place bars in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain softness before serving or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date And Walnut Bars contains roughly 557 calories, with 8g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Using fresh dates may alter the texture of the bars, as they are much softer. If you prefer using fresh dates, be sure to reduce the water to avoid excess moisture. It's best to chop and press them into the mixture as you would with dried dates.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The date and walnut bars are done when they are golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I freeze these bars for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the date and walnut bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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).