I made these date nut bars today following this basic recipe but I substituted honey for sugar, walnuts instead of oats and I left out the cinnamon. Despite all those changes, the date nut bars were delicious. This is a perfect holiday treat. Sweet and nutritious at the same time. Be sure to simmer the chopped dates in water for 10 minutes and then allow them to return to room temperature. The dates were sweet, soft and full, which makes for a better date nut bar.
Let me know if you try the recipe. Ray had trouble not eating the whole batch!
Happy holidays, everyone.
INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar (or substitute 1 cup honey) 1 cup old-fashioned oats (or substitute 1 cup chopped walnuts for the oatmeal) 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (if using honey and walnuts leave cinnamon out) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, diced, room temperature
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8×8-inch metal baking pan. Bring 1 1/2 cups water to simmer in medium saucepan. Add dates; simmer until very soft and thick, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla.
Combine flour, sugar (or honey) , oats (or walnuts), cinnamon (unless using honey and walnuts), baking soda, and salt in large bowl; stir to blend. Add butter. Using fingertips, rub in until moist clumps form. Press half of oat (or flour) mixture evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Spread date mixture over. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture; press gently to adhere. Bake until brown at edges and golden brown and set in center, about 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack. Cut into bars and serve. Serves 16.
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