Date Pineapple Bars
Delicious date pineapple bars combine sweet, tangy pineapple with chopped dates and warm spices, perfect for snacking or sharing as a flavorful dessert or teatime treat.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/3 cup honey ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, not drained ⓘ
- 1 (7 1/2 oz.) package chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Grease a 7 x 11-inch cake pan.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (moderate).
- Cream butter or margarine with brown sugar and eggs at high speed of electric mixer, guiding mixture into beaters with rubber scraper, until light and creamy.
- Sift flour; measure and sift with baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with honey to the creamed mixture.
- Stir in crushed pineapple, chopped dates, and walnuts.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- When cool, decorate with a thin sugar icing made by adding one tablespoon boiling water to 1 cup sifted confectioners sugar.
- Cut into 24 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don’t have walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or omit them altogether for a nut-free version. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming, and if you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the honey slightly. These bars are inspired by traditional American recipes and are sure to please.
Serving Suggestions
These bars can be served as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. For a festive touch, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. They pair beautifully with a cup of Velvet Hot Chocolate for a cozy treat. You can also top them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Pineapple 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 warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold. They also freeze well; wrap each bar individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Pineapple Bars contains roughly 231 calories, with 1g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 14g fat.
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 pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
While crushed pineapple is best for moisture and sweetness, you can use fresh pineapple. Just make sure to finely chop it and measure out the same amount to maintain the recipe's balance. Keep in mind that fresh pineapple may alter the texture slightly, but it will still add a delicious flavor.
Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
Yes, you can make these bars vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and replacing the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use a vegan honey alternative or agave syrup to keep it fully plant-based, making it suitable for vegan diets while retaining the delightful taste.
How can I make these bars more festive for special occasions?
To make these bars more festive, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped dried fruits such as cherries or cranberries for color and flavor. You can also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top or serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream, making them a perfect dessert for celebrations.
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).