The secret to this recipe is the use of liquid glucose to achieve that classic chewiness this treat is known for. You can use pitted prunes or even raisins in case you don’t have dates.
INGREDIENTS:
Set A:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
1 cup walnuts, chopped
Set B:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup glucose syrup
2 whole eggs
2 Tbsps. brandy or rum
1 tsp. instant coffee powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Set C:
1/4 cup pitted dates, halved
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
PROCEDURE:
A. Sift the Set A ingredients into a bowl, add dates and walnuts and mix everything.
B. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar and mix until frothy and sugar is dissolved. Add other Set B ingredients while beating.
C. Add the Set A mixture and mix until just combined. Pour the mixture into a greased, parchment-lined square pan. Even out the top with a spatula. Top with halved dates and chopped walnuts, and bake just until center is still moist. To check
doneness, insert a toothpick to check if it comes out clean. Cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.
Tip: If you want a fudgy bar, remove pan from oven minutes before becoming fully cooked and let residual heat cook it through.