Classic Date Bars
Date bars are rich, chewy, and packed with natural sweetness—bake these classic treats for a wholesome dessert or quick on-the-go snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped Medjool dates about 8 oz
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar for filling
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional, for brightness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment or grease lightly.
- In a saucepan, combine chopped dates, water, and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick and spreadable (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Spread the date mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top and press gently.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until lightly golden on top.
- Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.