Go Back
+ servings
Oatmeal Date Bars

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe

Oatmeal Date Bars recipe: two layers of a cookie crust sandwiched with a gooey layer of sweet dates.
5 from 21 votes
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 18

Equipment

Ingredients
  

Filling

  • 2 Cups Dates, pitted and chopped
  • 66 Grams Granulated Sugar (⅓ Cup)
  • 1 Cup Water (8 fluid ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 50 Grams Almond Flour (use all purpose flour if nut-free is desired) (½ Cup)

Dough

  • 170 Grams Unsalted Butter, room temperature (¾ Cup or 1 ½ Sticks)
  • 213 Grams Brown Sugar (1 Cup, packed)
  • 150 Grams All-Purpose flour (1 ¼ Cup)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 100 Grams Oatmeal, Old Fashioned (1 ¼ Cup)

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.
  • Place dates, water and granulated sugar in a medium-size saucepan.
  • 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.
  • Set aside to cool completely.

Make Cookie Base

  • Preheat oven to 350° F
  • Sift or whisk together flour, baking soda and 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
  • Add the flour, baking soda and salt mixture. Mix for 20 - 30 seconds.
  • Remove the bowl from the mixer and mix in the oatmeal. Note: the dough will be crumbly.
  • 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 date mixture over the dough in the pan and spread evenly.
  • 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

Keyword date bars, desserts with dates, oatmeal date bars
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!