Date Nut Fingers
Date Nut Fingers are sweet, chewy treats featuring chopped dates, pecans, and Rice Krispies, all coated in coconut. Perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings, these bars combine rich flavors and crunchy textures, making them a delightful addition to any dessert platter or snack tray.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan; add sugar, beaten eggs, chopped dates, and chopped pecans.
- Bring to a boil; continue cooking at a slow boil for 10 minutes.
- Add vanilla and stir well.
- Pour mixture over Rice Krispies in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Shape the mixture into logs or balls.
- Roll the shaped treats in coconut.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. If you prefer a different sweetener, consider using brown sugar or maple syrup instead of white sugar, but be aware it may alter the texture slightly. Ensure the dates are pitted and chopped finely for even distribution. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Date Nut Fingers as a delightful snack or dessert with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with Creamy Honey Dressing as a dip for added sweetness. Consider serving alongside fresh fruit like berries or bananas for a refreshing contrast, making for a balanced treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Nut Fingers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then enjoy them at room temperature for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Nut Fingers contains roughly 973 calories, with 10g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 14g 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just be sure to chop them finely for even mixing. Each nut will impart a different flavor, allowing you to customize the taste of your Date Nut Fingers to your liking.
What can I do if my mixture is too sticky?
If the mixture is too sticky to shape, you can lightly coat your hands with coconut or a small amount of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Alternatively, chilling the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to form logs or balls.
Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just be mindful not to overwhelm the mixture, as the fundamental balance of dates and nuts should remain the focus.
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).