Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped dates
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
4. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in dates and walnuts.
6. Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 24 squares
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 160
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the butter, you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- For the dates, you can substitute with raisins or dried cranberries.
- For the walnuts, you can substitute with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.
Variations:
- For a sweeter version, you can add ¼ cup of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
- For a spicier version, you can add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg to the batter.
- For a different flavor, you can add ½ cup of shredded coconut or chocolate chips to the batter.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to grease the baking pan before adding the batter.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Storage Instructions:
Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the bars in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
- Sprinkle the bars with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate or caramel sauce
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Milk
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
- Fresh berries
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the bars are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the batter.
- If the bars are too crumbly, add an extra egg to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Make sure to reheat the bars thoroughly before serving.
Food History:
Date and cinnamon squares are a classic dessert that has been around for centuries. The combination of dates and cinnamon has been popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for many years.
Flavor Profiles:
The flavor profile of these bars is sweet and spicy, with notes of cinnamon and dates.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
- Sprinkle the bars with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
Related Categories
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Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Spicy, Caramelized