Medjool dates are in season in Baja Norte. So of course I had to create Date Oat Pecan Blondies. The dates are delicious moist little packets of sugary goodness but are they a healthy substitute for refined sugar? The answer is, sort of healthier which makes my blondies, sort of healthier too.
Each date provides 63 calories, 1.6 grams of fiber, 16 grams of carbohydrates and traces amounts of protein and minerals. Four dates would be considered a fruit serving in your daily tally of vegetables and fruits. However, a full cup of raw strawberries yields 46 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber and 149% of your daily vitamin C requirement along with significant amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
Of course, if you want a fruit serving with more “bang for your buck” and less calories, pick berries, melons, and apples.
Now let’s compare dates to refined sucrose (table sugar).
1 cup of halved, pitted medjool dates, about 10 dates, yields 630 calories, 16 grams of fiber, trace minerals and a lower glycemic index due in part to its moderate natural fructose content (fruit sugar) and fiber content which slows absorption.
By the way High Fructose Corn Syrup is a concentrated refined fructose which is definitively not metabolized the same way in your body. I’m not a fan of HFCS and it has been banned from my diet.
1 cup of sucrose yields 774 calories, 200 grams of carbohydrate, no fiber, no protein and a scant 2% RDA of the vitamin riboflavin.
That’s it. Sugar provides calories and carbohydrates.
Why am I telling you this?
I’m not suggesting that you start eating dates instead of healthier fruits but I am presenting you with a dessert recipe for date oat pecan blondies with 1/2 the carbohydrates and sugars of other blondie and brownie recipes, with whole grain oats, real fruit and a gram or two of fiber as a bonus.
This is not a low-fat, low calorie recipe by any means so eat them as a special treat and tell yourself that they are a little bit healthier than a refined sugar blondie and a whole lot healthier than a processed sugary, hydrogenated oil laden packaged dessert.
Date Oat Pecan Blondies, No Refined Sugar
Healthier blondies made with whole dates, whole grain oats, pecans, and real butter in a gooey delicious dessert.
- 4 Medium Eggs
- 1 1/2 Cups Pitted, halved medjool dates, about 10
- 1/2 Cup Hot water
- 8 Ounces Butter
- 1/2 Cup Flour
- 3/4 Cup Rolled Oats
- 1/2 Cup Chopped pecans
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Vanilla
- Preheat oven to 300F. Rough chop dates and remove pits. Combine dates and hot water in a food processor and whirl until a wet paste developes. Let cool. When no longer hot, add eggs and melted butter and process until frothy. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into a 8” by 8” buttered pan. Bake at 325F degrees for 50 minutes. A knife should come out clean, don’t expect the blondies to become crisp on top. They stay very moist.
I adapted this recipe from my favorite brownie recipe and you can easily make these brownies by adding 1 cup of cocoa but I really wanted the buttery date and pecan flavors to shine.
If you’re looking for a gluten free healthy brownie recipe try my Gluten free zucchini brownie recipe
Check out my Pinterest Boards for Decadent Desserts and Healthy Desserts.
Choices peeps, choices.
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These look great – I love dates in desserts and I’ll put these on my list to try. Nice job!
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Thanks Paige. You wouldn’t believe the juicy dates we get here in Baja. I’m spoiled forever.
Tracey
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