Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly balanced bar that combines the sweet softness of dates, the crisp freshness of apples, and the rich crunch of pecans - all wrapped up in a wholesome, irresistible package. These Apple Pecan Date Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that bridges the gap between healthy snacking and decadent pleasure. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert, these bars are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, combine chopped dates, diced apples, honey, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes soft and slightly caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine oats, almond flour, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the oat mixture for the topping. Press the remaining oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer.
- Spread the warm date and apple mixture evenly over the oat base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans and reserved oat mixture over the top of the fruit layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out and cut into 12 even squares.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Medjool dates work exceptionally well for their rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- When cooking the date and apple mixture, stir constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, caramelized consistency.
- Press the base layer firmly and evenly to ensure a compact, stable foundation for your bars.
- Don't skip the parchment paper - it makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze!
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape.
- For extra indulgence, try toasting the pecans before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor.
- These bars can be easily customized - try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or a drizzle of dark chocolate for variation.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
