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Oatmeal Date Bars

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe

Oatmeal Date Bars recipe: two layers of a cookie crust sandwiching a gooey layer of sweet dates.
5 from 24 votes
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 18
Calories 267 kcal

Equipment

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.

Video

Notes

Storage - Place the bars in an airtight container and leave at room temperature. The bars may also be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 191mgPotassium: 135mgFiber: 3gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 238IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Keyword date bars, desserts with dates, oatmeal date bars
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