Lon’s been going light on dairy for a long time and as his intolerance grew more severe, he had to get more strict. At this point, he’s 99% dairy-free. While battling his digestive issues, he spent 6 months being gluten-free to see if it would help. It didn’t seem to benefit him so he is now eating gluten again. Earlier this year, while he was both gluten and dairy free, we went to the NY Produce Show and sampled a date nut treat at Devik International’s table. They market the Delilah brand of Medjool dates. They smartly had the recipe cards ready to give out and Lon made sure to take one.
These treats instantly became one of this favorites and although he no longer needs to watch for gluten, this is still a go-to dessert/snack for him. They’re sweet and satisfy the dessert craving yet the fruit and nut combination makes it a great power snack on the go. It’s also easy to carry and doesn’t need refrigeration. Dare I even suggest it as a breakfast-on-the-go?
Do make sure you use sweet rice flour (aka glutinous rice flour) as it calls for in this recipe. You can find it at any Chinese supermarket. I once tried to use regular rice flour when that’s all I had at home and it definitely did not come out right. Other than that, this recipe is really pretty easy with just a bit of tedious chopping. It’s worth it.
*Seven and half years later, I’m still using this very same recipe and updated it on 01/5/2021 to give you the option of using pitted dates (saves some work) and another pan size. Both alternatives worked beautifully. The pieces are just a little taller in the smaller pan size.
Date Nut Squares
(adapted from Devik International Inc.)
~64 to 72 bite-size pieces
- 1 (14 oz) package Medjool dates (use 10.5 oz if you use pitted Degelet Noor dates)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet (or glutinous) rice flour
Instructions-
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9×9 -inch or 8×8 -inch metal pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Remove stem cap from dates (as shown on the middle date in this picture) and discard. Remove pits and discard. Chop dates in 1/4″ pieces. Set aside. *tip: freeze for easier chopping
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla. Add the chopped dates and walnuts and combine thoroughly. Sprinkle a little bit of sweet rice flour over the mixture and fold gently with a spatula. Repeat until you use up the sweet rice flour.
4. Spread the mixture in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until firm and toothpick comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Invert onto a cutting board and remove wax paper. Cool completely and cut into 1″ squares. Serve or store in a air-tight container between sheets of wax paper. Can be frozen.
Do you think figs could be substituted for dates in this recipe?
Roxane, that’s a great idea. Hmm…I think it should work but sometimes dried figs have a very thick skin…please let me know if you try it!!
This is a dumb question, but is parchment paper (step 1) the same thing as wax paper (step 5)?
Lily, not a dumb question! It’s not the same. You can buy parchment paper in any supermarket, likely in the baking section.
I believe that wax paper will melt in the oven.
These were so delicious,that it was worth all the chopping required. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
These sound so good! I make a similar snack but it is soooo much more simple: soak pitted dates in boiling water a half hour or so. Drain, puree into a paste. Stir in chopped cashews/nuts of choice, sometimes a handful of raw oats and/or dried coconut. Roll into small balls, store in fridge.
So glad you enjoyed these Roxane! It’s a good thing all the chopping makes a lot!
Ttrockwood, that reminds me of Haroseth Balls
Mmm…I love dates! I appreciate this being dairy-free, too.
Greetings,
I just received a ton of dates from a friend of mine and was inspired to make date bars too. If you don’t feel the urge to
bake due to living in hot and humid places like we do (India), you can simply chop up dates, mix with oats and nuts, sprinkle in some flax seed, stovetop simmer up peanut butter and honey, mix in and press out “dough” on some parchment or foil, throw in the freezer and voila! delicious!