Date Nut Delight

I’m fully experiencing Christmas in July right now.  Partially because I work at a food magazine and we’re starting recipe development for our holiday issue, and partially because this is THE dessert at my family Christmas.  Sure, there are other desserts on the table, but this is my very, very favorite.  It’s the fudgiest, chocolatey-est dessert that-SUPRISE!-has no chocolate.Dates are the magical ingredient here.  When softened in boiling water and pulsed in a food processor, they become rich and fudgy, much like chocolate.  But better for you!  This dessert is actually relatively healthy, using the natural sweetness and thickening power of dates to form the batter.  There’s only one egg and 2 tablespoons of butter in the batter, along with the healthy fat from walnuts.  The caveat: YOU MUST SERVE THIS WITH COPIOUS AMOUNTS OF WHIPPED CREAM.  It just has to happen.  Don’t fight it. If you want to celebrate Christmas in July (guys, it’s a thing!), you can make this dessert and celebrate via the interwebs with me.  Otherwise, make this the centerpiece dessert at your holiday table, which I will also be doing.  Don’t let the rather unexciting, unappealing brown fool you…there is a wonderful dessert to be had here.  Bear in mind that a little of this rich dessert goes a long way to satisfying your sweet tooth.  Happy summer and happy holidays!

Every day is a holiday around here.

Date Nut Delight

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5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Amanda
• Yield: 8 to 10 servings 1x

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Description

The richest (and my favorite holiday) dessert around!  Despite it’s fudgy looks, there is no chocolate in this dessert.  Dates stand in as a substitute for chocolate.  Just make sure to serve with lots of whipped cream!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (113 grams) walnuts
• 1 cup (about 160 grams) pitted, chopped dates
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (198 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
• Lightly sweetened whipped cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°.  Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Place the walnuts in the bowl of a food processor.  Pulse until the walnuts are finely chopped with a few larger chunks remaining.  Transfer to a bowl and set aside and allow to cool slightly.
3. Place the dates in the same food processor and pulse until the dates are finely chopped.  Transfer the dates to a small mixing bowl and pour 1 cup boiling water over top; whisk to break up the dates.  The mixture will thicken as you continue to whisk.
4. In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt, whisking to combine.  Set aside.
5. Combine the egg, and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl.  Whisk until fully combined.  Drizzle in the cooled melted butter and vanilla extract, again whisking to combine.  When the date mixture has cooled, whisk in to the egg-sugar mixture.  Add the flour mixture and chopped walnuts, folding in until fully incorporated.  Pour into the prepared pan and transfer to the oven.  Bake for 1-1/4 hours, until the mixture has darkened in color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.  Allow to cool slightly before dusting with confectioners’ sugar and serving with whipped cream.

• Category: Desserts, Holidays