Sugar-Free Classic Date Bars
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of **Sugar-Free Classic Date Bars**, a healthier twist on a traditional favorite. Sweetened naturally with luscious pitted dates and unsweetened applesauce, these bars are packed with fiber, whole grains, and warm hints of cinnamon. Perfect as a snack or dessert, this recipe features a buttery oat crust and crumbly topping sandwiching a rich, velvety date filling that’s effortlessly made on the stovetop. Completely free of refined sugars and using heart-healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour and coconut oil, these date bars are an excellent choice for health-conscious bakers. Quick to make with just 20 minutes of prep, they’re great for meal prep or a guilt-free treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether served alongside your morning coffee or tucked into lunchboxes, these sugar-free bars are guaranteed to please!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted dates
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 0.25 cup coconut oil, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted dates and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 10 minutes or until the dates are soft and the mixture is thick. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Remove the date mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool slightly, then use a fork or potato masher to mash the dates into a smooth paste. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, mix together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened applesauce and melted coconut oil until well combined.
Pour the applesauce mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a crumbly dough.
Take half of the oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even bottom layer.
Spread the date paste evenly over the bottom layer.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the date paste and gently press down to form the top layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2792 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.4 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.0 g | 255% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1243 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 544.0 g | 198% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 62.4 g | 223% | |
| Total Sugars | 331.9 g | ||
| Protein | 45.5 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 460 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 15.2 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 4459 mg | 95% | |
*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.
