Date Sponge Squares
Sweet and moist date sponge squares with crunchy walnuts, perfect for teatime or as a dessert, offering a delightful combination of dates, nuts, and tender sponge texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add egg and mix well; add vanilla.
- Pour boiling water over chopped dates and let cool.
- Mix walnuts with flour.
- Alternate adding the date mixture and nuts to the butter and sugar mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white for a richer taste. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be good substitutes. Make sure to chop the dates finely for even distribution in the batter. If the mixture seems too thick, a little extra boiling water can help adjust the consistency before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Date Sponge Squares are delightful on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also work well with a cup of tea or coffee. For a twist, serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside 'No Cook' Peanut Butter Kisses for a delightful treat combo.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Date Sponge Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last up to a week. To reheat, simply place a square in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date Sponge Squares contains roughly 572 calories, with 5g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 720mg per serving (31% 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 fresh dates instead of dried?
Fresh dates can be used, but they have higher moisture content, which may affect the overall texture of the sponge. If using fresh dates, consider reducing the amount of boiling water slightly to maintain the batter's consistency.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Date Sponge Squares gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and any other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I freeze Date Sponge Squares?
Yes, you can freeze Date Sponge Squares. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
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).