Montego Bay Bars
Deliciously rich and chewy bars featuring dates, chocolate, and nuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cut-up dates
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 square unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1/3 cup softened butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 cup quick cooking oats ⓘ
- 1/3 cup finely chopped nuts ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease an 8x8 or 9x9-inch square baking pan.
- Cook dates, granulated sugar, water, and chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until mixture thickens.
- Allow the date mixture to cool.
- Cream together softened butter and brown sugar.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients: flour, salt, baking soda, oats, and chopped nuts.
- Press half of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the cooled date mixture over the base.
- Top with the remaining crumble mixture, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Medjool dates, as they are sweeter and softer. If you don't have unsweetened chocolate, you can substitute with cocoa powder by adjusting the sugar slightly. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of milk to achieve the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect afternoon snack. For a unique twist, consider serving alongside a slice of Lottie Moore's Apple Cake for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Montego Bay Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly softened, which enhances their flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Montego Bay Bars contains roughly 262 calories, with 1g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 997mg per serving (43% 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 a different type of sweetener in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup, but be mindful of the liquid content. If using liquid sweeteners, reduce the amount of water slightly to maintain the right consistency in the date mixture.
What can I use instead of butter or margarine?
For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. These alternatives will maintain the texture of the bars while accommodating those with dietary restrictions.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they turn a golden brown color on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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).