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–+ servings

Date and Walnut Bars (Food for the Gods)

Known locally as “food for the gods” this is a holiday-perfect bar that’s rich, buttery, nutty and totally delicious! Use walnut, pecan, hazelnut or even cashews for the nuts. Regular and gluten-free options for this super yummy Date and Walnut Bars are available.
4.56 from 9 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Desserts
Servings 20 bars
Calories 228 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup sifted all-purpose Flour, (use 1 cup Coconut flour and 1/2 cup rice or oatmeal flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Dates, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar, (use muscovado sugar for a more authentic taste with a hint of molasses)
  • 3 Eggs
  • 1/4 cup Honey or Corn syrup (or use 2 tbsp each honey and molasses)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped Walnuts, (substitute pecans, hazelnuts, cashew nuts or a combo of these)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 325 F (180 C).
  • Grease or line with parchment a 9 x 13 baking pan.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, coat the chopped dates with 2 tablespoons of the mixed flour to prevent clumping.
  • Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after every addition. Add the honey or corn syrup and vanilla extract. Adjust the mixer to low then slowly add the flour mixture.
  • Fold in the dates and nuts until everything is well-combined.
  • Spread the batter onto the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a tester comes out almost clean and the top is nicely browned.
  • Cool completely before slicing into bars. These may be wrapped individually with colored cellophane wrapper like we do in the Philippines or simply place each bar in a muffin liner. Enjoy!

Notes

TIPS & TRICKS
Make sure you cool this completely before slicing so it doesn't crumble because of the butter content. Best if you chill it first before cutting.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 20gCalories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 94mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 321IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
Keyword easy recipe for food for the gods, how to make date and walnut bars, how to make food for the gods
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