Date Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 24 bar cookies
Description:
These delightful Date Bars are reminiscent of a bygone era, originating from a cherished 1937 Detroit Times cookbook. They boast a cake-like texture and offer a burst of sweetness that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for serving to large groups, these bars can be enjoyed as a small treat or elevated into a decadent dessert when topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup dates, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup walnut meat, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
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Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until well combined.
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Beat eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy.
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Incorporate eggs: Add the beaten eggs to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Sift flour and baking powder: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure they are well combined and free of lumps.
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Prepare dates and walnuts: Take half of the sifted flour mixture and use it to coat the chopped dates and walnut meat. Mix well until the dates and walnuts are evenly coated with flour.
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Combine ingredients: Incorporate the flour-coated dates and walnuts into the butter, sugar, and egg mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and a thick batter forms.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the batter evenly onto a greased square baking tin. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the date bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking tin for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the bars into oblong pieces using a sharp knife.
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Powdered sugar coating: Roll each oblong date bar in powdered sugar until evenly coated. This step adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the bars.
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Serve and enjoy: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated date bars on a serving platter and enjoy them as a delightful treat on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
These delightful Date Bars are not only a delicious snack but also a charming reminder of simpler times. Share them with friends and family at gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoy them with a cup of tea for a comforting treat. With their irresistible flavor and nostalgic appeal, these Date Bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
