Despite their mysterious name, Chinese Chews are a beloved heirloom treasure of Western home baking, dating back to the early 20th century. These are not a traditional Chinese dessert; rather, they are a rich, chewy, and deeply nostalgic “cookie-bar” that rose to fame in community cookbooks across the 1920s. They are a masterclass in texture—featuring a slightly crisp, macaron-like top that gives way to a dense, fudgy center packed with sweet Medjool dates and crunchy, earthy walnuts.
The beauty of a Chinese Chew lies in its simplicity and its longevity. Because they are naturally moist from the dates and brown sugar, they actually improve after a day or two in the tin, making them the perfect “make-ahead” treat for holiday gifting or afternoon tea. They carry a flavor profile that is sophisticated yet comforting, reminiscent of a cross between a sticky toffee pudding and a chewy blondie. If you are looking for a vintage recipe that brings a unique, nutty elegance to your dessert spread, these golden bars are an absolute must-bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to ensure a light crumb.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar: For that signature crisp, meringue-like top.
- 1 tsp Baking Powder: To provide a subtle lift.
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt: To balance the sweetness of the dates.
- 1 cup Medjool Dates: Finely chopped (ensure pits are removed).
- 1 cup Walnuts: Coarsely chopped for a rustic crunch.
- 3 Large Eggs: Beaten until light and frothy.
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract: To enhance the warm, toasted notes.
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting (optional but traditional).
Equipment Needed
- 9×9 inch Square Baking Pan: For the perfect bar thickness.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk and Rubber Spatula.
- Parchment Paper: To ensure easy removal from the pan.
- Wire Cooling Rack.
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: Makes 16 to 20 squares
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides (this acts as a handle to lift the bars out later). Lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Whisk the Dry Base
In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. It is important to distribute the baking powder thoroughly so the bars rise evenly.
3. Add the Fruit and Nuts
Add the finely chopped dates and the walnuts to the flour mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to toss them until they are completely coated in flour. This prevents the dates from sticking together in large clumps and ensures every bite has a perfect distribution of fruit and nuts.
4. Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract until they are well combined and slightly foamy. Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together. The batter will be very thick and sticky—almost like a heavy paste—which is exactly what creates that iconic chewy texture.
5. Spread and Bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Use the back of a damp spoon or an offset spatula to spread it evenly into the corners. Place in the center of the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.
6. The “Golden” Test
The bars are done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and feels slightly firm and crackly to the touch. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to firm up as they cool. You want the center to remain moist and fudgy.
7. Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is the hardest part, but cutting them while hot will result in a crumbly mess! Once cool, lift the parchment “handles” to remove the block from the pan. Use a sharp, slightly dampened knife to cut into small squares or diamonds.
8. The Finishing Touch
Dust the squares generously with powdered sugar. For a more “old-fashioned” look, you can roll the individual squares in granulated sugar instead.
Tips and Tricks
- Date Quality Matters: Use Medjool dates if possible; they are softer and more caramel-like than the smaller Deglet Noor variety. If your dates feel a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 5 minutes and pat dry before chopping.
- The “Clean Cut”: Because these bars are so chewy, wipe your knife with a damp cloth between every slice to get those perfectly clean, bakery-style edges.
- Toast the Nuts: For an even deeper flavor, toast your walnut halves in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes before chopping. It brings out the natural oils and makes the bars even more fragrant.
- Egg Aeration: Don’t skimp on beating the eggs. The air incorporated into the eggs is what creates that slightly crisp, delicate top layer that contrasts so well with the chewy interior.
Variations
- The Pecan Swap: If you prefer a sweeter, more buttery nut, swap the walnuts for pecans.
- Tropical Twist: Add 1/2 cup of shredded sweetened coconut to the batter for a “Hawaiian” version of this vintage classic.
- Ginger Spice: Add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger and a tablespoon of finely chopped crystallized ginger for a zesty, warming flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips if you want to modernize this 1920s recipe with a bit of decadence.
Serving Suggestions
Chinese Chews are traditionally served as a “finger dessert.” They are exceptional when paired with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a strong dark roast coffee. Because they are so rich, they also make a fantastic base for a sundae—serve a square warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: These are incredibly hardy! Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20 minutes before enjoying.
- Pro Tip: If they get a little too firm after a few days, a 10-second zap in the microwave will restore that “fresh-from-the-oven” chewiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Square)
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fiber: 2g
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Chinese Chews are a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, pantry-staple ingredients. They offer a unique texture and a sophisticated sweetness that stands out in a world of standard brownies and cookies. Whether you are revisiting a childhood memory or discovering this vintage gem for the first time, these bars are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!