Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free
Mar 26, 2020, Updated Dec 18, 2024
Easy and moist, these bars are simple to make and cut into 24 bars using California Medjool dates. Regular flour works great too!
See Passover substitutions below.

These Irresistible Bars are an updated version from vintage 1940 and 50’s recipes – when baking was simple.
They do not contain any butter or oil; the only fat is from the egg yolks.
Natural sweetness comes from the plump, California Medjool Dates.
Whipping the egg whites separately and folding into the batter/mixture adds a lightness – so the bars are not heavy.
No streusel like modern recipes – just old-fashioned goodness!!
I also have a huge collection of vintage cookbook pamphlets (inspired this recipe)
- This recipe is a reflection of what was baked in the 1940’s and 50’s. I added the gluten free part (that certainly was not happening back then!) I have been baking for so many years, I can just look at a vintage recipe, and know how to update it – mostly dropping the sugar content.
- Enjoy them – so delish. I keep some out for a few days and freeze the rest. Because they are moist, they are good keepers.
One of my many collections…
These irresistible bars are an updated version from vintage 1940 and 50’s recipes – when baking was simple. My Date & Walnut Bars are gluten free and vegan adaptable.
Enjoy!
Karen
Delicious Date & Walnut Bars ~ Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates, finely chopped (from about 16 very large dates)
- 1 cup walnuts, small chop (I pulsed 5 times in small food processor)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature, separated (or use egg replacer for Vegan)
- 2/3 cup pure cane sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla
- 1/2 cup gluten free all purpose flour, can use regular flour!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Cut parchment paper to fit a 8″ x 8″ pan with extended sides for easy removal. (I used a 7″ x 10″ pan I had.) Lightly oil bottom and sides. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a stand mixer; add 3 egg yolks and sugar to the bowl fit with the paddle. Mix at medium-high heat for 2 – 3 minutes until light colored and light. Add vanilla, mix in. Sift gluten free flour (or regular flour) with baking powder and salt – add to bowl, mix over low speed until just combined.
- Add the chopped dates and walnuts, mix on low speed until just combined. Whip the three egg whites until stiff peaks form, but not dry.
- Fold the egg whites into the batter gently, not to deflate the egg whites much until just combined with a rubber spatula. Fold into the baking pan, leveling the top.
- HINT: If using gluten free flour – the batter will be stiff. I used my hands to incorporate the egg whites, like you do with meat loaf. May sound strange, but works perfectly!! Using regular flour – a rubber spatula will do fine.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden, and the top feels just firm. Crack open the oven, let stand for 10 minutes. Do not overtake.
- Remove to cool on a wire rack. When still slightly warm, remove the bars from the pan, using the ends of the parchment paper. Cool. Cut into 24 even sized bars. Dust the tops with confectioner's sugar when still a little warm.
- Store in a container with a good seal, wrapped in waxed paper. These freeze great! Bring to room temperature and enjoy.
Notes
For 1 teaspoon of baking powder; you’ll want to substitute in ¼ tsp of baking soda with ½ tsp of cream of tartar.
For 1/2 cup gluten free flour; use 1/4 cup matzo cake meal and 1/4 cup potato starch.
Source Kosher for Passover Confectioner’s Sugar, like Gefen brand. This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of its author, Karen Sheer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.