Cookie bars are always great for summer gatherings, pot luck dinners and casual parties. They are easily portable and your guests can just eat them with their hands. This Oatmeal Date Bars recipe is two layers of a cookie crust sandwiched with a gooey layer of sweet dates.
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Why use dates in desserts
Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree. These little wonders have increased in popularity as a dessert ingredient. They have a chewy texture and a naturally sweet flavor - making it easier to use less processed sugar in recipes. As an added bonus they contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
The date filling for this recipe is sandwiched between an oatmeal dough. For the two components you need the following ingredients:
Filling
- Dates: pitted and chopped finely
- Granulated Sugar
- Water
- Pure Vanilla Extract: use a high-quality extract, not imitation vanilla
- Almond Flour: use a finely ground almond flour. Replace with all-purpose flour if a nut-free version is desired.
Dough
- Unsalted Butter, room temperature (¾ Cup or 1 ½ Sticks)
- Light Brown Sugar
- All-Purpose flour - I recommend unbleached flour but any will work
- Baking soda and salt
- Old-fashioned oatmeal: don't use quick-cooking oats which may result in a mushy dough
Variations
Want a vegan oatmeal date bar? No problem. Replace the butter in the recipe with margarine! Want a nut-free option? Again, no problem, replace the almond flour with all-purpose flour.
FAQs
These treats do not need refrigeration. Place the bars in an airtight container and leave at room temperature. The bars may also be frozen for up to three months.
Absolutely! I have family members and friends who are gluten and dairy intolerant. Simply replace ingredients with the following:
Gluten-Free: There are many good gluten-free flour substitutes available. I typically use Bob's Red Mill, but there are many others.
Vegan or Dairy-Free: These oatmeal date bars don't use eggs, so simply replace the butter in the recipe with a vegan butter substitute. There are many good ones available - my favorite is Miyoko's.
More desserts with oatmeal
Love desserts with oatmeal? Check out these yummy recipes:
📋 Recipe
Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or stand mixer
- 10" Square Pan or 9" x 13" pan
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 Cups Dates, pitted and chopped
- ⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ Cup Almond Flour use all purpose flour if nut-free is desired
Dough
- ¾ Cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar light or dark brown sugar (packed)
- 1 ¼ Cup All-Purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 ¼ Cup Oatmeal, Old Fashioned
Instructions
Prepare Pan
- Spray pan with nonstick baking spray and place strips of parchment paper in bottom of pan so the parchment extends over the four pan sides.
Prepare Date Filling
- Chop dates into small chunks.2 Cups Dates, pitted and chopped
- Place dates, water and granulated sugar in a medium-size saucepan.⅓ Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Cup Water
- Bring to a boil, stir often. Reduce to a simmer and cook until mixture is thickened, stirring occasionally (approximately 4 - 6 minutes)
- Remove from heat and add the almond flour and vanilla. Stir until absorbed.½ Cup Almond Flour, 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- Set aside to cool completely.
Make Cookie Base
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃)
- Sift or whisk together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside for later.1 ¼ Cup All-Purpose flour, 1 teaspoon Baking Soda, ½ teaspoon Salt
- Place softened butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment begin mixing on medium speed. Continue to mix until the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy (approximately 2 - 3 minutes). Note: a hand mixer may also be used.¾ Cup Unsalted Butter, 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- Add the flour, baking soda and salt mixture. Mix for 20 - 30 seconds.
- Remove bowl from the mixer and stir in the oatmeal. Note: the dough will be crumbly.1 ¼ Cup Oatmeal, Old Fashioned
- Pour half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Using your hands, lightly press the dough down so it evenly covers the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the cooled date mixture over the dough in the pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it reaches all the edges.
- Sprinkle the second half of the dough over the dates so it is evenly distributed.
Bake
- Bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan.
- Unmold by pulling up on sides of parchment paper and transfer to a cutting board. Remove parchment from bottom of the bar. Cut into desired shapes.
Susan JoyAmongChaos says
I love that these goodies have healthy oatmeal and dates in them! Plus they’re gluten free! I’m sold!
Roseline Beusch says
You are brilliant, im a lousy cook but even a more terrible baker, but since I started watching your baking videos, I find that I can mix the ingredients when trying to bake.
Thanks so much for your generosity in always sharing.But, i just wanted to ask one question that may seem out of place, will this recipe work without dates?" they are my nightmare" when it comes to fruits, I totally do not like them.
dessertswithstephanie says
LOL - nightmare? Most other dried fruits will work in this recipe (e.g. raisins, apricots, cherries, etc...). Thank you for your feedback on the videos!
Emily says
I am so glad I found this recipe - these were perfect for taking up to the cabin for snacking! Everyone loved them. Next time I'll make more and freeze the rest for later!
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for your review on the date bars! Happy to hear our gang enjoyed the treats.
Megane says
This recipe really takes me back to when I was kid. Good old-fashioned date slice after school. Thanks so much for the recipe everyone loved them.
Oscar says
I brought these as a treat to a friend's brunch party and everyone devoured them. Im going to make them again so I can have them all to myself this time. Great recipe.
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for your feedback. Good to know!
Sarah James says
What a delicious combination, oatmeal and dates. My family loved them, thanks for the recipe.
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for stopping by and letting me know!
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for the input and for stopping by!
kath says
Can I substitute almond flour for the regular flour in the dough? Thanks for the info.
dessertswithstephanie says
Yes, all purpose flour will work well also. Thank you for stopping by!
Shana M says
Just what I was looking for to make for the vegan people in my house. They gobbled em up. Love the gooey date filling.
Selijna says
So happy I found this recipe - was looking for a vegan option. My veggie friends liked it.