Savor the timeless sweetness of Chinese Chews, a classic dessert bar that's equal parts chewy and nutty with a touch of elegance. This vintage treat features a simple yet irresistible blend of wholesome ingredients like chopped dates and crunchy pecans or walnuts, folded into a rich, egg-based batter. The bars are baked to golden perfection, creating a soft, chewy center with slightly crisp edges, then finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or a nostalgic indulgence, these easy-to-make squares require just 15 minutes of prep time. Whether you're a fan of old-fashioned desserts or seeking a unique twist on traditional baked goods, Chinese Chews will charm your taste buds and your guests alike.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until frothy and light. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a thick batter forms.
Fold in the chopped dates and nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cool, dust the top generously with powdered sugar, then cut into 16 squares or bars to serve.
Calories |
2716 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 91.3 g | 117% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 372 mg | 124% | |
| Sodium | 1186 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 462.2 g | 168% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.9 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 337.8 g | ||
| Protein | 41.0 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 215 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1789 mg | 38% | |
*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.