Indulge in the natural sweetness of these Chewy Date Bars, a perfectly balanced treat that combines a luscious date filling with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed oat crust. Packed with wholesome old-fashioned rolled oats and the rich depth of brown sugar, these bars are not only irresistibly chewy but also simple to make in just under an hour. The filling, made from tender pitted dates and a hint of vanilla, bursts with flavor while sitting snugly between layers of golden crumbs. Whether youβre looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, a dessert to share, or a naturally sweet snack with a touch of nostalgia, these bars tick all the boxes. Plus, theyβre baked in a convenient 8x8-inch pan, making 12 satisfying servings that are perfect for sharing. Make these Chewy Date Bars your new go-to treat for cozy gatherings or as a delightful homemade gift!
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the dates soften and the mixture thickens into a paste, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the date mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and can be pressed together.
Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a base crust.
Spread the cooled date mixture evenly over the crust, making sure to cover the entire surface.
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the date layer, pressing down lightly to help it adhere.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy!
Calories |
3871 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 156.1 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 93.2 g | 466% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 388 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 1289 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 608.3 g | 221% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.9 g | 157% | |
| Total Sugars | 352.5 g | ||
| Protein | 43.4 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 409 mg | 31% | |
| Iron | 17.4 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 2999 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.