Chinese Chews: A Classic Chewy Date and Walnut Bar
Chinese Chews are a timeless homemade treat known for their rich, chewy texture and naturally sweet flavor. Despite the name, these dessert bars are not actually from China. They are a traditional North American baked good that became popular in community cookbooks during the early 20th century. The bars are made primarily with chopped dates and walnuts, giving them a caramel-like sweetness and a slightly nutty crunch.
What makes Chinese Chews special is their simplicity. With only a handful of pantry ingredients and a straightforward baking process, you can create a batch of delicious bars that are perfect for snacks, dessert trays, or afternoon tea.
Below is a detailed guide to making these classic chewy bars from scratch.
Ingredients
To prepare a pan of Chinese Chews, you will need the following ingredients:
For the batter
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparing the Baking Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature ensures the bars bake evenly and develop the right chewy consistency.
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan after baking.
Preparing the Dates and Nuts
Dates are the key ingredient that gives Chinese Chews their signature chewy texture and deep sweetness.
- Place the dates on a cutting board and chop them into small pieces.
- If the dates feel sticky, lightly dust them with a little flour to prevent clumping.
- Chop the walnuts into small pieces as well. The nuts add texture and balance the sweetness of the dates.
Set both ingredients aside for later.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Whisk these together thoroughly so the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step helps the bars rise slightly and maintain a light texture despite their chewiness.
Preparing the Batter
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg until it becomes slightly frothy. Then add the brown sugar and mix until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
Next, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is combined into a thick batter.
Adding the Dates and Walnuts
Fold the chopped dates and walnuts into the batter using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Make sure the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed so each bar has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
The batter will be thick and slightly sticky at this stage, which is completely normal.
Spreading the Batter
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan, pressing it gently into the corners so the thickness is uniform. This ensures the bars bake evenly.
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