Date and Walnut Brownie Squares with Syrian Spices
Sweet and nutty date and walnut squares with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, reminiscent of a cherished Syrian family recipe. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers pitted dates, chopped, walnuts, chopped, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes; add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Step 4: Stir the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, then fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates and 1 cup chopped walnuts.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges are set.
- Step 7: Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into 16 squares.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Date and Walnut Brownie Squares with Syrian Spices take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Date and Walnut Brownie Squares with Syrian Spices?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Date and Walnut Brownie Squares with Syrian Spices?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Date and Walnut Brownie Squares with Syrian Spices for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Date and Walnut Brownie Squares with Syrian Spices?
Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
