Chewy, nutty, and irresistibly sweet, Almond Chinese Chews are a delightful dessert bursting with flavor and texture. This vintage-inspired recipe combines the natural sweetness of chopped dates with the crunch of sliced almonds, creating a uniquely satisfying treat. A soft and sticky dough, made with just a handful of pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, comes together in no time, making these chewy squares perfect for busy bakers. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they’re not only visually appealing but also perfectly balanced in sweetness. Ideal as a snack with tea or as a crowd-pleasing addition to dessert platters, these treats are easy to make and even easier to devour. Each bite is a nostalgic nod to classic flavors, with just the right amount of sophistication. Ready in under 40 minutes, they’re destined to become a family favorite!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a square 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Chop the pitted dates into small pieces and set them aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together using a hand whisk or fork.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. It will be sticky—this is normal!
Fold in the chopped dates and sliced almonds, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the dough.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spatula or spoon.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set (a toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean).
Remove from the oven and let the chews cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into small 1-inch squares.
Dust the squares generously with powdered sugar before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Calories |
2528 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 62.2 g | 80% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 372 mg | 124% | |
| Sodium | 1186 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 475.3 g | 173% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.9 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 343.5 g | ||
| Protein | 49.7 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 533 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 2729 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.