Date Bars, Plain & Simple

I received some gorgeous Medjool dates for the holidays and instead of hiding them and stealing one here and there, I decided to make Homesick Texan's Date Bars to share. The recipe is similar to my date nut bread, but it has no oil in it.

These beauties came out moist and delicious and those toasted pecans made the house smell so good!

Since I never have rum in the house, I used Grand Marnier instead to soak the dates, the results were delicious.

Great with afternoon coffee.

Date Bars (adapted from Homesick Texan's Cookbook):

8 ounces (1 1/2 cups, 225 g) diced pitted dates
1 tablespoon rum or Grand Marnier
1 cup (140 g) flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon melted butter, salted or unsalted
1 tablespoon hot water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

1. Toss the dates in the liquor and let them sit for a few hours.

2. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line an 8" (23 cm) square pan with foil and coat the inside with non-stick spray.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and eggs until smooth. Mix in the butter, hot water, and vanilla, then stir in the flour mixture. Use a spatula to stir in the dates (and any liquid) and the pecans.

5. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let date bars cool, then lift out the bars. Peel away the foil and cut into squares.



Pin It

Share|