Lebanese Sesame and Date Bars (Barazek)
Discover the rich flavors of the Middle East with this traditional Lebanese Sesame and Date Bars recipe. These barazek are a perfect combination of crunchy sesame seeds and sweet, chewy dates, making for a delightful snack or dessert that's packed with nutrients.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g / 4.2 oz)
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (60g / 2.1 oz)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder (2g)
- 1/4 tsp salt (1g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g / 4 oz)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5ml)
- 1/2 cup dates, pitted and finely chopped (90g / 3.2 oz)
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds, toasted (72g / 2.5 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped dates until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Take small portions of the dough and shape them into bars, approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- Roll each bar in toasted sesame seeds, pressing lightly so that they stick to the dough.
- Place the bars on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown around the edges.
- Allow the bars to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Toasting the sesame seeds before rolling the bars will enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra crunch. For a vegan option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.