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Food for the gods is probably one of the most-loved baked dessert during the holiday season. Soft and moist blondies with chewy dates and mild, earthy walnuts inside. Perfect with coffee or to give away as a gift.

Wrapped in colorful cellophanes and aluminum foil, that’s my fond memory of this yummy Filipino dessert. You can’t have enough of it and one “dates and walnut bar” is not enough. Me and my husband have this yearly debate whether it’s a blondie or fruitcake, whatever it is, its just so delicious!

If there’s one dessert that has graced Filipino tables for generations, tantalizing taste buds and warming hearts, it’s the divine delight known as “Food for the Gods.” This heavenly treat, rich in flavors and history, has been a cherished part of Filipino cuisine for years.

Where Did Food for the Gods Come From?

The origins of Food for the Gods trace back to the Philippines’ colonial history, where culinary influences from various cultures converged to create the dessert treat. This delectable dessert draws inspiration from traditional British fruitcake, enriched with local flavors and ingredients. As Filipinos embraced this sweet delicacy, it earned its place as a staple treat during festive occasions and celebrations.

In Greek mythology, “ambrosia” is considered as food of the gods which is totally unrelated to the baked goodie. Another explanation which is plausible is that dates in the Philippines is considered as a luxury food. People would comment that the dessert is made for the gods because of its expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Food of the Gods

Nowadays, you can find cheap dates online or in groceries. You can even buy pitted dates to make it easier for you to prepare. If you can’t find pitted or seedless dates, it’s okay to buy regular dates and just remove the seeds before chopping.

Dates: These chewy, caramel-like gems provide natural sweetness and a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
Walnuts and Cashews: The heart of the recipe, these nuts contribute a satisfying crunch and a buttery undertone that elevates every bite.
All-Purpose Flour: Acting as the backbone of the dessert, flour provides structure and balances the richness of the nuts.
Butter: Unsalted butter binds the elements together, infusing a luscious, creamy flavor throughout.
Sugar: A combination of white and brown sugars imparts sweetness and depth to the dessert’s profile.
Baking Powder/Baking Soda: This leavening agent ensures a light and airy texture, making each mouthful a heavenly experience.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of this aromatic essence enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth.
Eggs: The binding agent that brings everything together, eggs contribute moisture and richness.

ingredients for blondies on top of table

Amiable Tips for Best Results

Do not over-beat ingredients to avoid ending up with hard/tough bars. Fold in the dry ingredients gently into the wet ingredients until incorporated.
Use soften butter for easier beating even using a handheld whisk.
Wrap sliced bars in aluminum foil then assorted color cellophane if your planning to gift them.
Check expiration of baking powder or baking soda. I usually get emails of baking fails and the most common reason is the leaving agents they used are past their expiration.
Ingredients: When making the food for the gods, all ingredients should be in room temperature.

How to Serve and Store

Food for the Gods is best enjoyed at room temperature. Before serving, allow the dessert to sit out for about 30 minutes to an hour. Consider pairing the delicacy with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
While some desserts benefit from refrigeration, Food for the Gods thrives at room temperature. Storing it in the refrigerator can alter the texture and cause the nuts to lose their delightful crunch. However, if your environment is particularly humid or warm, you can refrigerate it for short periods, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before enjoying.
If baked goody has lost some of its crunchiness due to storage, you can restore its texture by briefly toasting individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid over-toasting.

baked dessert sliced and on top of the table

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Food For The Gods

Food for the gods is probably one of the most-loved baked dessert during the holiday season. Soft and moist blondies with chewy dates and mild, earhty walnuts inside. Perfect with coffee or to give away as a gift.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Cakes, Dessert

Cuisine: Filipino

Keyword: blondies, food for the gods, food for the gods recipe

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 40

Servings: 24 pieces

Calories:

Author: Mia

Ingredients

1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
113 grams soften butter
¾ cup brown loose sugar
¾ cup granulated white sugar
3 whole eggs
1 cup pitted dates (chopped )
1 tbsp flour (for dusting the dates)
1 cup walnuts (save 2 tbsp. for toppings)

Instructions

Pre- heat oven at 180°C/356°F. Prepare 8in x 8 in baking pan by lining with parchment paper and set aside.
In a bowl sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda and salt then set aside.
If using dates with seeds still in them, remove seeds and chop into small pieces. Dredge dates with 1 tbsp. flour to avoid sinking into batter when added. Set aside. Chopped the walnuts and save 2 tbsp. for toppings. Set aside.
In another mixing bowl tip in soften butter. Beat the butter using hand mixer or wire whisk until pale color or creamy. Then add the granulated sugar and brown sugar then beat until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time while beating until incorporated. Add the sifted flour mix and gently fold-in the until no more traces of flour left. Pour the dusted chopped dates and chopped walnuts then folds until properly mixed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan then top with remaining walnuts. Bake in pre heated oven for 30-35 mins at 180°C or 356°F or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Video

Notes

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4 Comments

Rica says:

February 21, 2022 at 9:23 pm

Please let me know if you’re selling foods for the God, I am very interested. Please response details. Thank You.

1. Mia says:
  
  February 22, 2022 at 4:08 pm
  
  Hi Rica,
  Sorry we are not selling anything on this site. This is a recipe blog where I share my recipes and hopefully help others learn how to cook and bake. Thank you
  
  1. Pearl says:
    
    October 9, 2022 at 10:43 am
    
    Hi, can I double the recipe and bake it at a 9×13 inch pan? And what is their shelf life? Thank you!
    
    1. Mia says:
      
      October 10, 2022 at 4:29 pm
      
      Hi Pearl,
      Yes, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13 inch pan. Hope this helps and good luck!