Nut & Honey Crunch Cereal Date Bars
Nut & Honey Crunch Cereal Date Bars combine sweet dates, crunchy cereal, and warm spices for a delicious treat perfect for snacking or dessert. They are easy to prepare and satisfy sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart pan, combine chopped dates, orange juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cloves.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until boiling.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until thick.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- In a bowl, combine flour, crushed Nut & Honey cereal, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in margarine with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the cooked date syrup and mix well.
- Pat half of the cereal mixture into a greased 9 x 9-inch pan to form the crust.
- Spread the cooled date filling over the crust.
- Pat the remaining cereal mixture over the top and press firmly.
- Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. You can also use other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness of the dates. Make sure to crush the Nut & Honey cereal to achieve the right texture for the bars.
Serving Suggestions
These Nut & Honey Crunch Cereal Date Bars are perfect as a quick breakfast or a healthy snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or yogurt. They also complement a fresh fruit salad or can be enjoyed with a side of Butter Green Beans for a light meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving, ensuring they remain soft and chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut & Honey Crunch Cereal Date Bars contains roughly 566 calories, with 7g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Fresh dates have a higher moisture content compared to dried dates, which may affect the texture of the bars. It's best to use dried dates for this recipe to achieve the right consistency and sweetness. If using fresh dates, you may need to adjust the other liquid ingredients.
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make these Nut & Honey Crunch Cereal Date Bars vegan, simply substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. Ensure that the cereal does not contain any honey or dairy products. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan treat that's just as satisfying.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of these bars?
Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added crunch and nutrition. You could also mix in some dark chocolate chips or a splash of vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile. Spices like nutmeg or cardamom can also add a unique twist to the bars.
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).