Date-Orange Bars
Sweet and tangy date-orange bars feature a delightful combination of caramelized dates, zesty orange slices, and a buttery crust, perfect for snacking or dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil dates, sugar, flour, and water until thick, then let cool.
- Spread half of the batter in a greased 9 x 13-inch pan or smaller.
- Cover with sliced candy orange slices, which have been sliced lengthwise into 3 pieces each.
- Spread the remaining date mixture over the orange slices.
- Spread the remaining batter over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Cut into small bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Medjool dates, which are softer and sweeter than other varieties. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. To make this recipe a bit healthier, replace half of the sugar with applesauce. Ensure the water and dates mixture is fully cooled before layering to prevent the batter from melting.
Serving Suggestions
These Date-Orange Bars are delightful on their own or can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for an afternoon snack. Consider serving with fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a balanced spread during gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date-Orange Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer, you can freeze the bars wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date-Orange Bars contains roughly 406 calories, with 4g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% 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! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution throughout the bars. This can add a delightful crunch and flavor variation to the dish.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the bars?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start by cutting the granulated sugar by half and see how it affects the flavor. Additionally, using unsweetened dried fruits or adjusting the quantity of candy orange slices can help balance the sweetness.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If the batter seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen it. Mix well until you achieve a spreadable consistency. Be cautious not to add too much liquid at once, as you want to maintain the integrity of the bars when baked.
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).