Food for the Gods: Filipino Date and Walnut Bars
Food for the Gods: Filipino Date and Walnut Bars
Food for the Gods is a rich Filipino dessert bar packed with Medjool dates and walnuts, resembling butterscotch blondies. This decadent treat is especially popular during Christmas but enjoyed year-round for its chewy texture and buttery sweetness.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (200g) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup (120g) walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture until just combined.
- Add dates and walnuts: Gently fold in chopped dates and walnuts.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Tips and Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer shelf life.
- Variations: Some recipes include a drizzle of caramel or dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Conflicting sources debate the inclusion of oats or raisins—stick to dates and walnuts for authenticity.
FAQ
Why is it called “Food for the Gods”?
The name’s origin is unclear, but it likely refers to the dessert’s indulgent, “heavenly” richness.
Can I use other nuts?
Walnuts are traditional, but pecans or almonds may substitute.
Is this similar to fruitcake?
It shares the festive association but lacks alcohol and mixed dried fruits, focusing on dates and walnuts.
Related guides
- Bibingka (Filipino Coconut Rice Cake)
- Bibingkang Malagkit (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)
- Filipino Biko Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Sticky Rice Cake
- Buchi: Filipino Sesame Seed-Filled Rice Balls
- Buko Pandan: The Ultimate Filipino Creamy Coconut Dessert Salad