Date Nut Bars
Date Nut Bars offer a delightful combination of sweet dates and crunchy nuts, wrapped in a tender, buttery crust. Perfect for a quick snack or a dessert treat, they appeal to lovers of chewy, nutty confections and are ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a homemade energy boost.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Combine with brown sugar.
- In a separate bowl, melt the shortening and beat the eggs until well blended. Add these to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and chopped dates.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 7 x 11 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Cut into bars while hot. Optionally, sprinkle or roll in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of nuts like walnuts and pecans. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a different texture. If you prefer a sweeter bar, add an extra 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps, which will help achieve a light crumb. Pair these bars with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serving Suggestions
These date nut bars are delicious on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving, or consider serving alongside Huckleberry Muffins for a lovely brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover date nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Nut Bars contains roughly 202 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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 your favorites such as almonds, cashews, or pistachios. Just keep the total amount the same to maintain the texture. Mixing different nuts can also add a unique flavor profile to the date nut bars.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. These alternatives will help bind the ingredients while keeping the bars moist.
How can I make these date nut bars gluten-free?
To make gluten-free date nut bars, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's a 1:1 substitute for the best results. Also, check that your baking powder is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
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).