Are you craving a sweet treat that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further than these old-fashioned date bars! This recipe is a nostalgic favorite, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. These bars are incredibly versatile – perfect for a quick afternoon snack, a delightful dessert, or even a healthy addition to your lunchbox. Get ready to experience the simple joy of homemade cooking with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
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For the Date Filling:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- ½ cup boiling water
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix!
Step 2: Make the Date Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften the dates. This step is crucial for a smooth and delicious filling. Once softened, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Press half of the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread the date filling evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of the date filling.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Date Bars:
- Don't overmix the crust: Overmixing can lead to tough date bars. Mix until just combined.
- Soften the butter completely: This ensures a smooth and creamy crust.
- Let the dates soften: Soaking the dates in boiling water makes them easier to blend and creates a smoother filling.
- Cool completely: Cutting the bars while they're still warm will result in crumbly pieces.
Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle it over the date filling before adding the top crust.
- Spiced Up: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the date filling for a warm, comforting twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
These old-fashioned date bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Their simple yet delicious flavor profile makes them a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this classic recipe! They're also fantastic for meal prepping – make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week!