I like dates and am trying to incorporate more dried fruit into my diet. This date bar recipe was a real find as it is quite different from the ‘Fig Newton’ style of date bar. Instead, this is a moist, chocolately treat!

 West Haven Date Bars

1 cup boiling water

1 cup pitted dates, chopped

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar or natural sweetener of your choice

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Lightly grease a 13x 9-inch pan. Pour boiling water over the dates in a small bowl and let stand until cool.

Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until light. Blend in flour, cocoa and baking soda to make a smooth dough. Stir in date mixture. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over the top.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until center feels firm. Cut into 2x 1-1/2 inch bars while still warm. Makes about 3 dozen bars.

Resource:

Ojakangras, B. (1990). Chocolate Lover’s Cookies & Brownies. Publications

International Lmt.: Lincolnwood, Illinois.