Recipe: Pecan, Coconut & Date Bars

by Abbe Krasner 08/02/2020

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

Looking for a healthful treat? One that will keep you energized when you need a boost? Or a treat for the kids to replace sweets or cookies? These scrumptious Pecan, Coconut & Date Bars might be just what you're looking for. Great for travel, camping or giving to friends and co-workers, they blend the buttery goodness of pecans with the natural sweetness of dates. Unsweetened coconut lends a touch of texture and bolsters the nutritional impact of these delicious bars.

Just Three Ingredients

In addition to a food processor, you'll only need:

4 cups of pitted dates

1 cup of pecans

A half cup of unsweetened, shredded coconut

That's it! That's the whole recipe.

How to Make Your Bars

Step 1. Place all three ingredients in your food processor and blend them together.

Step 2. With a spatula, move the mixture from the food processor into an 8 × 8 × 2” baking pan.

Step 3. Press.

Step 4. Presto! Simply cut the mix into bars of your desired size. No cooking necessary.

Nutritional Benefits

Any time you are looking for a way to replace refined sugar or chocolate chips in recipes, think of dates. Natural sugar provides considerably more nutritional value than refined options.

One date carries 20 calories, and this is one reason Pecan, Coconut & Date bars are a high-energy treat. While these treats are not a low caloric food, and are best made just for special occasions, the nut content means they support healthy metabolism. They also provide vital nutrients:

Shredded coconut: Shredded coconut is a festive touch, and it's much more. Mature coconut meat, the source of shredded coconut, contains those same antibacterial elements people obtain from coconut oil. And did you know coconut, in all of its forms, contains iodine — a natural balm for your thyroid gland?

Pecans: These richly scented nuts are troves of monounsaturated fats, the kind dietitians call good fats. These nuts also contain flavonoids, which are plant-derived nutrients. The naturally occurring plant sterols in pecans can boost the body's own immunities. Pecans contain zinc and calcium, along with thiamin, manganese and copper, too. They support bone health! At the same time they have no sodium and no cholesterol. Pecans are relatively light in carbs yet high in fiber.

Dates: Whether you choose firm, amber Deglet Noor dates, or prefer the chewy and sweet Medjool, you'll be getting compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties. Dates don't just make your taste buds happy. They help replenish your iron levels, vitamin B-6, and fiber. Because fiber in food helps us feel full, just a few date bars can satisfy your appetite. Finally, dates are a powerful source of potassium (higher than bananas), so they support your muscle-building workouts and your good heart health.

So, enjoy your date bars and make some to share!

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About the Author

Abbe Krasner

Your "Dear Abbe" of Real Estate!

"I believe in going the extra mile and pride myself for exceeding expectations by giving great customer service and love to negotiate for my clients."

With well over 20 years in the business, Abbe Krasner is a Florida state recognized Licensed Real Estate Broker with Integrity Key Properties LLC.

~ Specialization in Residential, Property Management, Military Relocation & Renovations. ~

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

Nationally Recognized Masters Club Awards and Golden Eagle Awards

Consistent Top Producer rates highest on Customer Satisfaction Member of National Association of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, HUD Certification, WCR.

In addition, Abbe holds other licenses and memberships such as a Florida Licensed Notary, Performs Wedding Ceremonies in Florida, a US Coast Guard Aux. Certification, and is a Medical and Military Relocation Specialist.