Decadent Date & Coconut Rice Krispies Treats
Indulge in these Decadent Date & Coconut Rice Krispies Treats! With a delightful blend of sweet, chewy dates and crunchy pecans, this classic recipe has been a family favorite for over three decades. Enhanced by the richness of coconut and a touch of vanilla, these bars are a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a festive touch or keep them simple with extra shredded coconut, they are sure to be a hit at gatherings or as an everyday treat. Plus, with the option to use Splenda, you can enjoy a lower-calorie version without sacrificing taste. Easy to whip up, these treats will soon become a must-have in your dessert repertoire!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted, for greasing and cooking)
Chopped Dates
1 (8 ounce) package (pitted and chopped)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (or substitute with Splenda)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
Shredded Coconut
1/2 cup (sweetened or unsweetened, plus additional for topping)
Chopped Pecans
1 cup (lightly toasted for added flavor)
Rice Krispies
1 1/2 cups (use plain or flavored varieties)
Powdered Sugar
optional (for rolling if shaping into logs)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, chopped dates, and brown sugar (or Splenda) over low heat.
2
Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
4
Add the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and Rice Krispies to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated and well blended.
5
Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking pan and transfer the mixture into it. Press down firmly to create an even layer.
6
Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top and lightly press it into the mixture.
7
For an optional twist, shape the mixture into logs and roll them in powdered sugar instead of using shredded coconut.
8
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
9
Once cooled, cut into strips or squares and serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Decadent Date & Coconut Rice Krispies Treats.
What is the main flavor profile of these treats?
These treats feature a delightful blend of sweet, chewy dates, crunchy pecans, and rich coconut with a touch of vanilla.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is considered a no-bake recipe as it only requires 5 minutes of stovetop cooking rather than oven baking.
How long should I cook the date and butter mixture?
Cook the butter, dates, and sugar over low heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
Can I make a lower-calorie version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with Splenda for a lower-calorie version.
What size pan is recommended for these treats?
A greased 9 x 9 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 8 ingredients: butter, chopped dates, brown sugar, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, Rice Krispies, and powdered sugar.
What type of dates should I use?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce package of pitted and chopped dates.
Should the pecans be prepared in a specific way?
The pecans should be chopped and ideally lightly toasted to add more flavor.
Can I use flavored Rice Krispies cereal?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can use either plain or flavored varieties of Rice Krispies.
Is the coconut supposed to be sweetened or unsweetened?
You can use either sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut based on your preference.
How do I prevent the treats from falling apart?
Ensure you press the mixture down firmly into the pan to create an even, solid layer.
Can I shape these into something other than bars?
Yes, you can shape the mixture into logs and roll them in powdered sugar for an optional twist.
Is butter used for anything other than the mixture?
Unsalted butter is used for the cooking mixture and also for greasing the baking pan.
What type of vanilla extract is best?
You can use either pure or imitation vanilla extract.
How should these be served?
Once cooled completely, they should be cut into strips or squares for serving.
Is powdered sugar a required ingredient?
No, powdered sugar is optional and used mainly if you choose to shape the treats into logs.
How much Rice Krispies cereal is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal.
What heat setting should I use on the stove?
The butter and date mixture should be cooked over low heat while stirring constantly.
Can I add extra coconut?
Yes, the instructions suggest sprinkling additional shredded coconut on top and lightly pressing it into the mixture.
Are these treats suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are described as a hit at gatherings and a festive favorite for over three decades.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should grease the 9 x 9 inch baking pan before transferring the mixture.
How do I know when the mixture is ready on the stove?
It is ready when it becomes smooth and well combined, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
What is the first step in making these treats?
The first step is to combine butter, chopped dates, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan over low heat.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
The vanilla extract should be stirred in after the saucepan has been removed from the heat.
Is there any fiber in these treats?
While specific nutritional values are not provided, the use of dates and pecans does provide some natural fiber.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
While the recipe specifies pecans, walnuts are often a suitable substitute in similar dessert bar recipes.
Do I need to refrigerate these to set?
The recipe states to allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; refrigeration can speed up this process.
How much brown sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar or an equivalent amount of Splenda.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is quick to whip up.