My Mom'S Coffee Bars
These rich coffee bars combine the warm flavors of cinnamon, dates, and nuts in a moist, cake-like treat. Perfect for a coffee break or dessert, they offer a delightful sweetness balanced with the aromatic cinnamon and robust coffee flavor, appealing to both coffee lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream the shortening, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Add the flour mixture alternately with coffee to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
- Stir in the vanilla, chopped dates, and small pieces of nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
- Cut into bars and enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider substituting half the shortening with applesauce. This will also add a hint of moisture. Additionally, if you’re short on dates, raisins or dried figs can serve as a suitable substitute. Make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly, especially if using sweeter dried fruits. To enhance the coffee flavor, try using strong brewed coffee or espresso.
Serving Suggestions
These coffee bars are perfect for brunch or as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They also pair beautifully with Waldorf Salad With Raisins for a delightful contrast of flavors. For an extra touch, consider serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover coffee bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them by wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mom'S Coffee Bars contains roughly 425 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 985mg 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 fresh dates instead of dried dates?
While you can technically use fresh dates, they are much softer and contain more moisture. If you choose to use fresh dates, reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
What can I use if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter or coconut oil can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, while coconut oil will provide a slight coconut scent.
How can I make these coffee bars more chocolatey?
To add a chocolatey flavor, consider mixing in 1 cup of chocolate chips or cocoa powder. If using cocoa powder, reduce the flour by 1/4 cup to maintain the right texture.
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).