Recipe: Date Nut Bars
Description: These delightful Date Nut Bars are a cherished family favorite, especially during the festive Christmas season. They offer a delightful departure from traditional cookies, bringing a unique blend of flavors and textures to your holiday dessert spread. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect choice for busy baking days. Feel free to customize them by swapping out dates for dried apricots and walnuts for a delightful variation!
Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Christmas, < 60 Mins
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 13x9x2 inch pan
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/2 cups | Brown sugar |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 1/2 cups | Oatmeal |
| 2 1/4 cups | Flour |
| 2 1/4 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 cup | Pitted dates |
| 1 1/2 cups | Sugar |
| 1/4 cup | Water |
| 1 cup | Water |
| 1/2 cup | Walnuts |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 6121
- Fat: 258.4g
- Saturated Fat: 68.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 2043.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 916.8g
- Fiber: 50.7g
- Sugar: 542g
- Protein: 73.7g
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
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Prepare date mixture: In a saucepan, combine the pitted dates, sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then allow it to simmer until it thickens. Once thickened, set it aside to cool while you prepare the crust.
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Mix crust ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, Crisco (or other shortening), baking soda, oatmeal, flour, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
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Prepare crust: Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking pan, ensuring it forms an even layer.
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Add date mixture: Spread the cooled date mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
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Top with remaining dough: Take the remaining dough mixture and sprinkle it over the date layer, patting it down gently.
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Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
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Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the Date Nut Bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into your desired bar shapes.
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Serve: Arrange the Date Nut Bars on a serving platter and enjoy the delicious blend of sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, and buttery crust. These bars are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season or any time you crave a delightful homemade treat.
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Storage: Store any leftover Date Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-term storage. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
These Date Nut Bars are sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday baking repertoire, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty goodness in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of cocoa by the fire or gifting them to friends and family, these bars are bound to spread joy and cheer wherever they go. So gather your ingredients and let’s start baking up some holiday magic! 🎄🍪
