Baking with B: 7 Days of Christmas Treats: Date Pecan Bars

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One of the worst things you can ask a baker to do is to make a recipe and then leave it alone, but trust me when I say that leaving these bars for a couple of days and giving them some space just might be the best thing you can do for them. The flavor soaks into everything, the topping solidifies and the result is a rich, nutty bar that I literally could not stop eating. (That is, of course, once I gave myself the chance.)

Date Pecan Bars (makes 36)

1 c. dates, chopped

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 c. butter or margarine

3/4 c. boiling water

1/4 c. dark rum (or 2 tsp., 10 mL rum flavoring plus 1/4 c. water)

1 egg

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

Place dates in large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with baking soda and stir a bit to distribute. Add butter and boiling water. Continue to stir until butter has melted. Add rum, stir and set aside.

In small bowl beat egg, sugar and vanilla together well. Pour into date mixture. Measure in flour and baking powder. Stir well. Spread in greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake in 350F oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with topping. Return to oven.

Topping:

1 c. brown sugar, packed

3 tbsp. butter or margarine

3 tbsp cream

1 c. chopped pecans

Crumble all ingredients together in bowl. As soon as you take squares out of the oven, spread over the top and return to oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool. Cover with tight plastic or foil and put on an out of the way shelf in your cupboard so it can mellow out for a day or two.

Happy baking!

B

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Last year I counted down to Christmas by baking seven different types of Christmas cookies as per my favorite Swedish holiday tradition. This year I’m making it a thing, and sharing seven more delicious recipes with you. For more inspiration, you can check out more of my baking here. For even more recipe inspiration check out my Pinterest full of food eye candy that will have you licking your computer. Promise.

9 thoughts on “Baking with B: 7 Days of Christmas Treats: Date Pecan Bars

  1. These look absolutely delicious, and those Butterscotch Bars as well. Great idea, the 7 days of Christmas Treats! I don’t know about others but I can always use some baking inspiration for the holidays. So many (potluck) to attend, and I never know what to bring. Thanks for the much-needed inspiration. Great blog!

    Would you be interested in having your work featured/shared on Creators.co? We are currently in the process of diversifying the content on the platform and I think your work would be a perfect fit. I’d love to introduce you to the website so feel free to shoot me an e-mail for more info. You can find my contact details on my blog. Hope to hear from you.

    • Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I’m glad I was able to grant you some much needed inspiration. I always have a hard time choosing what to take to these holidays things too- so many yummy recipes to choose from!

      I’d love to know more about your website and I’m always happy to meet fellow writers and creators online. I’ll definitely be in touch!

    • Good for you for cutting back on the sugar! As evidenced by my blog, my sweet tooth is totally out of control. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

  2. Pingback: Baking with B: 7 Days of Christmas Treats: Date Pecan Bars | homethoughtsfromabroad626

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