Sugar-Free Chinese Chews
Chewy, naturally sweet sugar-free treats combining dates and walnuts with a hint of baking powder, perfect for a healthy snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the cake flour, sugar substitute, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the chopped dates and walnuts to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a well-greased 8-inch square pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- While warm, score into 1-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different texture, consider substituting half of the walnuts with pecans or almonds. If you want a more intense flavor, toast the nuts before adding them. You can also use a different sugar substitute, but make sure it measures cup-for-cup like the one in the recipe. This recipe can also be adapted for gluten-free diets by using a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy treats are perfect as a healthy snack on their own or paired with a cup of herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter alongside other Asian-inspired snacks like Fried Dumplings. For a more substantial dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugar-free Chinese chews in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar-Free Chinese Chews contains roughly 341 calories, with 5g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2224mg per serving (97% 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 dried fruits other than dates?
Yes, you can replace dates with other dried fruits like figs or apricots. Just ensure they are chopped finely to maintain the texture of the chews. Adjust the amount of sugar substitute if the alternative fruits are sweeter or less sweet than dates.
Is there a way to make these chews vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your sugar substitute is also vegan. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
How do I know when the chews are done baking?
The chews are done when they are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that they will continue to firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if they seem a little soft when you first take them out.
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).