Orange Walnut-Date Bars
Sweet and zesty orange walnut-date bars combine chewy dates, crunchy nuts, and warm spices, perfect for a flavorful dessert or teatime treat that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl and set aside.
- Beat softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, orange rind, and orange juice; beat until well combined.
- Gradually stir in the flour mixture, blending until smooth.
- Fold in chopped dates and nuts.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased and floured 11x7x1-inch baking tin.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned.
- Spread with Orange Butter Frosting before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or zest from the orange to the batter. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds work well as substitutes. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. This recipe can also be adapted to include dried cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Orange Walnut-Date Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider drizzling a bit of orange butter frosting on top, similar to what's used in other decadent desserts like Luscious Lemon Cheese Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, which will help restore their original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Walnut-Date Bars contains roughly 276 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with any other nuts you prefer, such as pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them coarsely to ensure they mix well into the batter and provide a nice crunch.
What can I use instead of brown sugar?
If you don't have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar mixed with a bit of molasses to mimic the flavor and moisture. Alternatively, coconut sugar can be a suitable substitute for a slightly different taste.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter instead of regular butter. These small changes will keep the bars delicious while accommodating a vegan diet.
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).