This recipe for date and nut bars makes a moreish high fibre treat which can be easily taken with you when travelling, hiking or camping. They keep well and taste even better the next day.
Serve on their own or with vanilla or brandy custard.
Continue reading for money saving tips and gluten and dairy free options. There is also a PDF version of this recipe at the end of the post which can be printed or saved to your device to save on paper.
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups Pitted Dates Chopped
- ⅓ Cup Boiling Water
- ½ Cup Butter or Margarine
- 1 Cup Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Tsp. Vanilla
- 1 Cup Flour
- ¼ Tsp. Baking Soda
- ¼ Tsp. Cinnamon
- ⅛ Tsp. Nutmeg
- ½ Tsp. Salt
- ½ Cup Chopped Almonds
- ½ Cup Shredded Coconut
- ½ Cup Raisins
- Powdered Sugar for Dusting
Instructions
- First, chop the dates by cutting into thirds with kitchen scissors then place in a small bowl. Pour the boiling water over the top then leave to cool.
- Prepare a 9 ½ inch x 12-inch (24cm x 30cm) pan by greasing then lining the bottom. No liner is needed for non-stick pans.
- In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar then add the eggs one at a time beating after each one. Beat in the vanilla and the dates with the water.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt then beat into the wet ingredients until combined.
- Stir in the almonds, coconut and raisins then spread evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 325ºF (165ºC) for 30 to 35 minutes until the middle feels firm to the touch.
- Let completely cool in the pan on a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing into bars.
Notes
Keep in an airtight container in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
Nutrition Facts
Date and Nut Bars
Serves: 15 Servings
| Amount Per Serving 1 Bar | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 259 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 10.13 g | 15.6% | |
| Saturated Fat 3.472 g | 17.4% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 89 mg | 29.7% | |
| Sodium 125 mg | 5.2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 41.29 g | 13.8% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2.5 g | 10% | |
| Sugars 30.85 g | ||
| Protein 3.49 g | ||
| Vitamin A 332 IU | Vitamin C 0.2 mg | |
| Calcium 29 mg | Iron 1.23 mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Grow Create Save
*The Nutrition Facts label above should be used as a guide only. The amounts can change depending on the brands you use. To reduce the fat content always try to buy reduced fat products and lean meat when you can afford it. Look for reduced salt products and low sugar without artificial sugar replacements.
Do you need a new baking pan? These 9 x 13 inch baking pans from Wilton are great value and highly rated. (Paid link)
Gluten and Dairy Free Options
Replace the flour with gluten free plain flour (paid link). The bars will still hold together well. Replace the butter with dairy free spread. The rest of the ingredients are both gluten and dairy free.
Substitutes
This is a good recipe for adding whatever dried fruits and nuts you have on hand.
- Replace the almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Use dried cranberries, sultanas or apricots in place of the raisons.
- The coconut can be omitted altogether if you don’t like it.
Saving Money
Save money on your date and nut bars by buying dried fruits in bulk then storing in airtight containers once opened. Extend the storage time further by storing in the fridge, especially in warm weather.
Consider buying the basic baking ingredients in bulk such as flour, baking soda and salt. With a few basic ingredients you can make a wide variety of treats without having to spend much extra.
This bulk buy plain flour from Augason Farms is highly rated and comes in a handy bucket. (Paid link)
This guide to Creating Budget Friendly Meals covers everything from planning to making the most of in season vegetables and meat to using raw ingredients to create healthy and nutritious meals which cost less to make. A little forethought can save you a great deal of money over the course of the year.
For more sweet treats which are great for taking with you, try these Cookies for Hiking, Healthy Banana Cookies or these Soft Gingerbread Cookies.
Are you interested in being self sufficient? See this Homesteading guide for more information.
To Print or Save this recipe for Date and Nut Bars, click the button below for the PDF File.
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