Sugarless Date-Nut Squares(Diabetic)
Sweet, moist sugarless date-nut squares with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for diabetics or those seeking a healthy, flavorful treat with natural sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped dates ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped prunes ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons frozen unsweetened apple juice, thawed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer chopped dates, raisins, and prunes in water for 5 minutes.
- Stir in butter and margarine; allow the mixture to cool.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, eggs, apple juice, and vanilla.
- Combine the cooled fruit mixture with the dry ingredients and stir well.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut into 2-inch squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts instead of pecans. You can also replace the butter and margarine with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you prefer a sweeter taste, a small amount of mashed banana can be mixed into the batter. Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a soft texture, similar to what you'd find in Orange Poppy Seed Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these squares as a nutritious snack or a light dessert. They pair well with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. For a wholesome breakfast, enjoy them alongside a glass of Summertime Smoothies or a fresh fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Date-Nut Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugarless Date-Nut Squares(Diabetic) contains roughly 132 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 other dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the dates, raisins, and prunes with other dried fruits like apricots or figs. Just ensure they are chopped into similar sizes for even cooking, as the different fruits will add unique flavors and textures to the squares.
Is it possible to make these squares vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these Date-Nut Squares vegan by replacing the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Additionally, use plant-based margarine and ensure the apple juice is unsweetened and 100% fruit. This way, you maintain the original taste while catering to vegan diets.
Can I reduce the amount of fat in this recipe?
Certainly! You can reduce the butter and margarine by half and replace them with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana to keep the moisture. This will result in slightly denser squares but will help lower the fat content without sacrificing flavor.
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).