Date Bars

The perfect date bars made with a candy date filling and topped with a scrumptious buttery oat crumble. They’re gluten-free, naturally sweetened and tremendous simple to make!

I LOVE all issues dates! From my snickers stuffed dates and wholesome peanut butter balls to my salted caramel oatmeal I’ll eat dates nearly any approach. My newest obsession has undoubtedly been these new date bars.

Ever since my first chunk, I’ve been utterly hooked on them. They’ve received that completely candy jammy date filling nestled in between two layers of buttery oat goodness. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up with only a handful of pantry staples. Belief me, you’re going to wish to make a batch (or two) ASAP!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally candy – The dates present all of the sweetness you want, no refined sugar overload right here.
Straightforward to make – Easy steps, fundamental components, and no fancy tools required.
Healthful components – With oats and dates as the celebs, these bars really feel indulgent however are filled with better-for-you goodness.
Versatile – Good with espresso or tea, nice for on-the-go snacking, and wonderful as a light-weight dessert after dinner.
Freezer-friendly – Make a batch, freeze some, and also you’ve received a ready-made deal with ready every time the craving strikes!

Components Wanted

dates – the star of our filling! Select mushy, plump dates for the most effective jammy texture. I like utilizing Medjool dates, however any selection will do so long as they’re good and sticky.
old style rolled oats + oat flour – these kind the hearty, crumbly base and topping. The oats add chewiness, whereas the oat flour helps all the things maintain collectively. When you solely have rolled oats, you may blitz them in a blender to make your personal oat flour.
coconut sugar – a calmly caramel-flavored sweetener that pairs completely with the dates and oats.
vanilla extract – only a splash for a heat, cozy taste that ties all the things collectively.
butter or coconut oil – your selection! Both one will give these bars richness and tenderness. Butter offers a extra traditional pastry taste, whereas coconut oil retains them dairy-free. Simply be sure you use room temperature coconut oil somewhat than melted, so it blends into the dough completely.
lemon juice – a tiny little bit of brightness within the date filling that makes all of the distinction.

Discover the total ingredient listing with measurements within the recipe card under.

Substitutions

Sugar: When you’re quick on coconut sugar, don’t fear — brown sugar nonetheless delivers that cozy, caramel-like sweetness. Feeling adventurous? Attempt maple sugar or a granulated monk fruit sweetener for a novel twist on taste and texture.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds add nice texture and taste, however should you’d somewhat hold issues easy, simply go away them out. These bars are completely scrumptious with or with out the additional crunch.

Learn how to Make Date Bars

Step 1: Add dates and water to a saucepan, deliver to a delicate boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes till thick and jammy. Stir in vanilla and lemon juice, then put aside.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix oat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add vanilla extract and softened butter (or coconut oil) to the dry combination.

Step 4: Use a fork or your fingers to combine till a crumbly dough varieties and begins to clump collectively.

Step 5: Press about 2 cups of the crumble combination into the ready pan to kind a agency crust. Unfold the date filling over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumble combination on prime, gently urgent it down.

Step 6: Bake for 35–40 minutes till the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden. Let the bars cool utterly earlier than slicing into 16 bars and having fun with!

Brittany’s Suggestions!

Decide mushy dates: In case your dates appear a bit dry, soak them in heat water for a couple of minutes earlier than cooking. This step actually helps give a candy, jammy filling as a substitute of a chewy one.
Press the crust firmly: Don’t be shy! Use your fingers or the again of a measuring cup to actually press down the underside layer so it holds collectively as soon as baked.
Watch the baking time: Pull the bars out as quickly because the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. Overbaking can dry them out, so control the oven.

Learn how to Retailer

As soon as cooled, hold your date bars in an hermetic container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. They’re good for grabbing in your approach out the door!

In order for you them to last more, pop them within the fridge for as much as per week. Craving a future snack? They freeze superbly too. Simply wrap them up, tuck them within the freezer, and thaw everytime you want a candy deal with on demand.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Do I have to soak my dates?

In case your dates really feel dry or robust, a fast soak in heat water for a couple of minutes will assist them soften up and offer you that jammy, scrumptious filling.

Are these date bars gluten-free?

So long as you’re utilizing licensed gluten-free oats and oat flour, these bars will be made gluten-free. At all times double-check your ingredient labels to make certain.

How do I do know when these date bars are carried out baking?

Search for a calmly golden prime and bubbly filling across the edges. When you see these indicators, pull them out and allow them to cool utterly earlier than slicing for clear, bakery-worthy squares.