Date Nut Bars

Sometimes you want a sweet treat in the afternoon to go with your cup of coffee or tea but you don’t want to go all out with a sugary dessert. Insert these date nut bars! They’re not too overly sweet and include the chopped pits of dates and nuts to give it texture and flavor. The best part? These bars will last you a long time, making them the perfect freezer snack to have on hand for a busy weeks ahead!

Ingredients for Date Nut Bars

• Sugar: For sweetening these date bars.
• All-purpose flour and sugar: Flour is used as the base for these bars and sugar adds sweetness.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent for these bars help give them some texture.
• Dates: Buy pitted dates so they’re easier to chop up!
• Nuts: We prefer walnuts or pecans for this date and nut bar recipe.
• Eggs: Adds fat and texture to these bars and also helps to make them a filling snack.
• Butter: This helps to make these bars flaky and delicious.
• Vanilla extract: Gives these date bars that elegant finish.
• Confectioners’ sugar: It is optional but a fun (and tasty!) decoration on top.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, dates and nuts. Add in the eggs, butter and vanilla. Stir until the ingredients are just combined and the dry ingredients are moistened.

Test Kitchen: The batter will be very stiff. You don’t want to overwork it or the texture of your bars won’t be what you’re hoping for.

Step 2: Bake until golden brown

Spread the bars into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bars are golden brown. Let the bars cool on a wire rack in the pan, then dust with confectioner’s sugar before slicing and serving.

Recipe Variations

• Add other dried fruits: If you want to get creative, feel free to add other dried fruits (or nuts and seeds!) to your date and nut bars. Other options for your bars could include dried cranberries, tart cherries and raisins. Or feel free to add dark chocolate chips if you want these bars to be more like a dessert!
• Use brown sugar: For an even chewier texture in the bars, swap the granulated sugar with brown sugar. The molasses can affect the texture of these bars in a unique way and make them more like a chewy brownie.
• Swap extract with vanilla paste: Swap out the vanilla extract with vanilla paste for an elevated taste to these bars. This adds flecks of vanilla bean in your bar and gives you an even more gourmet result.
• Give them some spice: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg (or both!) would also elevate the flavor of these tasty bars.

How to Store Date Nut Bars

Wrap the bars up individually in plastic wrap then place in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 7 to 10 days.

Can you freeze date nut bars?

Yes! Date nut bars last really well in the freezer and make for an easy sweet treat when you need an afternoon pick-me-up. Place the bars in an airtight container and in the freezer for up to three months.  Let the date bar sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying. They defrost pretty quickly!

Tips for Date Nut Bars

Which dates are best for date nut bars?

We recommend using pitted Medjool dates. These dates are thicker and a touch sweeter than other dates. They make for a nice texture in these bars.

Should date bars be refrigerated?

While these bars can last at room temperature in an airtight container, we recommend placing them in the fridge or freezer for a longer shelf life. You can line each bar with wax paper so they don’t stick together, making them easier to grab a bar when it’s time for a snack.

What kind of nuts should I use in date nut bars?

It’s up to you! These date nut bars will work with all kinds of nuts. We’re partial to walnuts and pecans but this date nut bar recipe will also work well with cashews, almonds and peanuts.