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Date Oat Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 4 reviews

This Date Bar Recipe features a luscious homemade date filling nestled between layers of a cinnamon-spiced oatmeal crust. The oat crust combines brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla with buttery oats to create a crumbly, flavorful base and topping. Perfect for an energizing snack or a delicious dessert, these bars bake to a golden brown and yield a chewy, sweet treat with the natural richness of dates.

Ingredients

Date Bar Filling

  • 2 cups dates, pitted
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Oatmeal Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla bean paste
  • 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
  • 1 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Date Filling: Place the pitted dates and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir occasionally as the water thickens and is absorbed by the dates, cooking about 20 minutes until you achieve a thick paste-like consistency.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Set aside while you make the crust.
  3. Make the Oat Crust Mixture: In a food processor bowl, pulse together the flour, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until combined. Add the cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Add the quick oats and 1 tablespoon of water, then pulse a few more times to incorporate evenly.
  4. Assemble Bottom Crust and Bake: Press half of the oat mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a spatula or your hands. Bake this crust for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
  5. Add Date Filling and Top Crust: Spread the prepared date filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
  6. Bake Bars Until Golden: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top crust is a light golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars or squares.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice into squares or bars and serve as a delightful snack or dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure dates are pitted before cooking for a smooth filling.
  • Press the crust layers firmly to prevent crumbling when slicing.
  • Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out of the pan.
  • Cool bars completely before slicing to maintain shape.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Quick oats can be substituted with old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/date-oat-bars-recipe/