Lemon Date-Pecan Delight Bars
Indulge in these scrumptious Lemon Date-Pecan Delight Bars, perfect for brunch or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. These bars combine the rich sweetness of dried dates with the delightful crunch of pecans, all enveloped in a luscious, zesty lemon icing. Whether you're sticking to a gluten-free diet or simply looking for a delicious treat, these easy-to-make bars can be prepared with gluten-free flour alternatives. Enjoy them freshly baked or chilled for a refreshing dessert that captures the essence of flavor and comfort in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Self-raising flour or gluten-free blended self-raising flour
1 cup (If using gluten-free flour, ensure it is blended self-raising flour.)
Raw sugar
1/2 cup (No preparation required.)
Desiccated coconut
1/2 cup (No preparation required.)
Dried dates, finely chopped
1/2 cup (Finely chop before measuring.)
Pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup (Finely chop before measuring.)
Butter, melted
125 g (Melt before use.)
Golden syrup
1 tablespoon (No preparation required.)
Egg, lightly beaten
1 (Lightly beat before use.)
Icing sugar
1 1/2 cups (Sift before use.)
Butter, softened
20 g (Soften before mixing into icing.)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed is preferred.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 160°C. Grease and line an 18x28 cm slice pan with baking paper, ensuring you cover the base and extend the paper up the sides.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour (or gluten-free blended self-raising flour), raw sugar, desiccated coconut, chopped dried dates, and chopped pecans.
3
Pour in the melted butter, golden syrup, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Transfer the mixture into the prepared slice pan and press it down evenly using the back of a spatula or your fingers.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan.
6
Meanwhile, prepare the lemon icing by sifting the icing sugar into a mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and stir in enough lemon juice until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
7
Once the slice has cooled completely, carefully lift it out of the pan using the baking paper. Spread the lemon icing generously over the top.
8
For a decorative touch, sprinkle finely grated lemon zest or extra finely chopped pecans on top.
9
Cut into 24 squares and serve alongside tea or coffee.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Date-Pecan Delight Bars?
They are scrumptious bars that combine dried dates and pecans with a zesty lemon icing, perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can prepare these bars using a gluten-free blended self-raising flour alternative.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 160°C.
What size pan is required for this recipe?
An 18x28 cm slice pan is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Grease and line the pan with baking paper, covering the base and extending the paper up the sides for easy removal.
What dry ingredients are mixed first?
Combine the self-raising flour, raw sugar, desiccated coconut, chopped dried dates, and chopped pecans in a large bowl.
What wet ingredients are added to the dry mix?
Add melted butter, golden syrup, and a lightly beaten egg to the dry ingredients.
How do I ensure the mixture is even in the pan?
Press the mixture down evenly using the back of a spatula or your fingers.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Should I cool the bars before removing them from the pan?
Yes, allow the slice to cool completely in the pan before lifting it out.
How do I make the lemon icing?
Sift icing sugar into a bowl, add softened butter, and stir in lemon juice until smooth.
What kind of butter is used for the icing?
The recipe calls for 20g of softened butter for the icing.
How much lemon juice is needed for the icing?
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed.
When should I apply the icing?
Spread the lemon icing generously over the top once the slice has cooled completely.
What are some decorative topping options?
You can sprinkle finely grated lemon zest or extra finely chopped pecans on top.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 24 squares.
What is the best way to serve these bars?
They are delicious served alongside tea or coffee.
Can these bars be served chilled?
Yes, they can be enjoyed freshly baked or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
What type of sugar is used in the base?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of raw sugar.
How much coconut is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of desiccated coconut.
How should the dates be prepared?
The dried dates should be finely chopped before being added to the mix.
How much butter is needed for the base?
You will need 125g of melted butter for the base mixture.
What role does the golden syrup play?
The golden syrup adds sweetness and helps bind the base ingredients together.
Do I need to sift the icing sugar?
Yes, sifting the icing sugar helps ensure a smooth, lump-free icing consistency.
Is the egg beaten before adding it?
Yes, the egg should be lightly beaten before being poured into the mixture.
How much flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of self-raising flour or a gluten-free equivalent.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
While the recipe specifies pecans, you could experiment with other nuts, though pecans provide a specific flavor and crunch.
How do I remove the slice from the pan?
Once cooled, use the overhanging baking paper to carefully lift the entire slice out of the pan.
What should the icing consistency be like?
The icing should have a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Are these bars suitable for snacks?
Yes, they are categorized as a snack, dessert, and a sweet treat suitable for any time of day.