Nana'S Date Bars
Nana's Date Bars offer a sweet, hearty treat with oats and brown sugar, perfect for snacking or sharing with family and friends. A comforting, homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
- Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Nana's Date Bars, consider adding chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture. If you're out of brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For a healthier twist, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Remember to let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
Serving Suggestions
Nana's Date Bars are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce. They also make a great addition to holiday gatherings, complementing dishes like Molded Cranberry Relish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nana'S Date Bars contains roughly 846 calories, with 13g protein, 190g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1394mg per serving (61% 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 fat instead of vegetable shortening?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable shortening with unsalted butter or coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. This will add a richer flavor to the bars. Just ensure the butter is softened or melted to blend well with the other ingredients.
How can I make these bars more nutritious?
To boost the nutritional value, consider adding flaxseed meal or chia seeds to the mixture. You could also incorporate dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for added sweetness and fiber. Additionally, using whole grain oats instead of regular oats can enhance the health benefits.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Nana's Date Bars gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
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).