Classic Date-Filled Crumb Bars: A Buttery, Crumbly Treat Packed with Spiced Date Goodness

These classic crumb bars are a delightful fusion of a buttery, crumbly dough and a rich, spiced date filling. The tender dough provides the perfect base and topping for the flavorful date mixture, which is enhanced by warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right balance of sweetness, these bars are a comforting and nostalgic dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. They can also be easily adapted with your favorite jam if you’re craving a fruity twist. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared with family, these crumb bars offer a timeless taste that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

These crumb bars are easy to make yet deliver a big payoff in terms of flavor and texture. The dough is soft and buttery with just the right amount of crumble, while the date filling is perfectly spiced, adding a warming touch that complements the sweetness. The recipe is highly versatile—you can use dates for a more traditional version, or swap in any jam to suit your preference. Plus, they are easy to cut into squares and serve, making them perfect for family gatherings or casual snacking. This recipe’s combination of rich flavors and tender texture will make it a new favorite in your baking rotation.

Perfect Occasion:

These crumb bars are perfect for any occasion where you want a dessert that feels both homey and special. They’re great for family get-togethers, afternoon tea, or as a sweet addition to holiday celebrations. The combination of the soft, spiced date filling with the buttery crumb topping makes these bars perfect for sharing at potlucks, brunches, or festive gatherings. They also make a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holidays or special occasions when you want to bring a little extra sweetness to the table.

Decoration Tips:

To make your crumb bars look even more appealing, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar once they’ve cooled. For a bit of added texture and flavor, you can also sprinkle some crushed nuts—such as pistachios or almonds—on top of the dough before baking. If you’re using jam as the filling, consider topping the bars with a few fresh fruit slices that complement the jam flavor. You can also drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for a subtle shine. These simple touches will enhance both the look and taste of your crumb bars.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ghee (or butter, softened)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons powdered milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup date paste
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon ghee (to soften the date paste)
  Optional: Any jam of your choice (such as strawberry or apricot)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the ghee and vegetable oil, mixing until well combined. Stir in the powdered milk.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   In a separate bowl, combine the date paste, cinnamon, cardamom, and ghee. Mix until the date paste is smooth and easy to spread. If using jam, skip this step.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Take two-thirds of the dough and press it into the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer. Spread the date mixture (or jam, if preferred) over the dough layer.
5. Top the Bars:
   Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the filling, covering it evenly but leaving small gaps for the filling to peek through.
6. Bake:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set.
7. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Enjoy!