Indulge in the rich, chewy decadence of Food for the Gods Walnut and Date Bars—a timeless holiday treat that lives up to its legendary name. Packed with the natural sweetness of chopped dates and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, these dessert bars strike the perfect balance between soft and textured. The buttery batter, infused with a hint of vanilla, bakes into a golden layer of perfection, making every bite irresistibly moist and flavorful. With just 20 minutes of prep time, these easy-to-make bars are ideal for festive gatherings, gift-giving, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, this recipe delivers a heavenly combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for food lovers searching for quick holiday desserts or classic baked goods with a nostalgic twist.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chopped dates and toasted walnuts using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to maintain a chewy texture.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Calories |
4689 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 263.6 g | 338% | |
| Saturated Fat | 104.9 g | 524% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 951 mg | 317% | |
| Sodium | 1928 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 559.3 g | 203% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.9 g | 110% | |
| Total Sugars | 376.8 g | ||
| Protein | 68.3 g | 137% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.0 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 491 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 19.9 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 2650 mg | 56% | |
*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.