Heavenly Date & Coconut Bars
Transport yourself to bliss with these Heavenly Date & Coconut Bars, a delectable treat that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a sweet, sticky filling of luscious dates. Each bite reveals the rich flavor of pitted dates, harmoniously blended with aromatic cinnamon and freshly squeezed orange juice. Topped with a generous layer of oat, coconut, and nut crumble, these bars are perfect for any occasion—from bake sales to afternoon tea. Revisit your childhood favorites with this delightful twist, and watch everyone enjoy these irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth delights.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
pitted dates
1 1/2 cups (Chopped)
orange juice
1 1/2 cups (Freshly squeezed)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (Sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (Firmly packed)
butter
1 1/2 cups (Cut into pieces)
sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup
chopped walnuts or pecans
1 cup
old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted dates, orange juice, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture has thickened to a spreadable consistency. Be careful not to let it scorch.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and brown sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
Stir in the sweetened flaked coconut, chopped walnuts or pecans, and old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed.
4
Press half of the dough mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 inch Pyrex baking dish. Use a piece of wax paper to help pat the mixture flat to create an even crust.
5
Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.
6
Crumble the remaining dough over the date filling, pressing it lightly with the wax paper to ensure it adheres well.
7
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting into 24 individual bars (4 long strips by 6 shorter strips). Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
10.4
Fat
16.7
Carbs
1.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Date & Coconut Bars?
They are a sweet dessert bar featuring a buttery crust, a sticky date and orange filling, and a coconut-oat crumble topping.
What is the primary ingredient for the filling?
The filling is primarily made from 1 1/2 cups of chopped pitted dates.
How long do the dates need to simmer?
The date mixture should simmer for about 30 minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
What type of juice is used in the date filling?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the bars bake?
The bars should bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
How many bars does this recipe yield?
The recipe yields 24 individual bars.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9 x 13 inch Pyrex baking dish is recommended.
What kind of flour is used for the crust?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is the brown sugar packed?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of firmly packed brown sugar.
What type of nuts can I use for the crumble?
You can use either chopped walnuts or pecans.
What kind of oats are used in the topping?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats.
Is the coconut sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sweetened flaked coconut.
How do I prepare the crust mixture?
Whisk flour, salt, and brown sugar, then cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Should I leave a border when spreading the filling?
Yes, leave a half-inch border around the edges when spreading the date filling.
How long should the bars cool before cutting?
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
What is the fat content per bar?
Each bar contains approximately 10.4 grams of fat.
How many calories are in one bar?
There are 150 calories per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each bar has 16.7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each bar provides 1.3 grams of protein.
Can I use a pastry cutter for the dough?
Yes, a pastry cutter or your fingers can be used to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
How should I slice the bars for serving?
Cut the pan into 4 long strips by 6 shorter strips to create 24 bars.
Does the recipe include cinnamon?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is simmered with the dates.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of butter, cut into pieces.
What is the best way to flatten the dough in the pan?
Using a piece of wax paper helps pat the mixture flat into an even crust.
Should the filling be warm or cool when added to the crust?
The instructions suggest using cooled date filling.
Is there salt in the dough?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What should the filling look like after simmering?
It should be thickened to a spreadable consistency and not scorched.
Are these bars suitable for bake sales?
Yes, they are described as perfect for bake sales or afternoon tea.
What are the main components of the crumble topping?
The topping consists of the remaining dough mixture combined with coconut, nuts, and oats.