Date Squares with Coconut

a plate of date coconut squares with a cup of coffee and some walnuts on the side.

Easy and absolutely delicious, these date bars have a biscuit base, and layers of dates, walnuts and coconut all topped with a sweetened condensed milk drizzle. Addictive.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Diet Halal, Vegetarian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Servings people

Calories 126kcal

Author Farah Abumaizar

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups digestive biscuits or graham crackers 10 digestive biscuits, 12 graham crackers (155g/6oz)
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted 55 g
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the topping:

150 g soft dates, pitted and cut in half 5 oz, I used 13 dates
1/2 cup chopped walnuts 60 g
3-4 tablespoon shredded dried coconut
1/2 can sweetened condensed milk 200g, 8 oz

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 C). Prepare an 8x8 inch square pan by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper.
Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers into a fine powder either by using a food processor or by placing in a large ziploc bag and whacking with a rolling pin.
Place the biscuit crumbs in a large bowl, add the melted butter and cinnamon if using and mix well until combined and all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Press crumbs tightly into the base of the prepared pan.
Scatter the dates evenly on the base, followed by the chopped walnuts.
Drizzled the condensed milk in lines evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle on the shredded coconut.
Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and set. Let the bars cool completely before lifting out of the pan and slicing into even squares.

Video

Notes

Recipe tips:

Make sure the crumbs are really fine and powdery. Since there isn't a lot of butter in the recipe, this will make it easier for them to bind with the melted butter. Pack very firmly into pan, you can use the base of a measuring cup to help you. You can also stick the pan in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, this will also help bind the crust together.
You can double this recipe to make a 9x13 inch pan- the bars will fly so if you're feeding a crowd this is a great option!
Feel free to substitute the walnuts for pecans.
For extra decadence, warm these slightly in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Delicious!

Storing leftover date coconut squares:

Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature for 3-4 days. They probably won't last you that long, but they hold up very well and taste just as good a few days out.

They can also be frozen in an airtight container or freezer safe bag for up to 4 weeks.

Nutrition