Date Bars

These date bars are the kind of sweet treat that adults love just as much as kids do. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them repeatedly. A thick layer of naturally sweet, caramel-like dates is sandwiched between buttery, crumbly layers of oat, creating a balance of chewy and crisp textures. Whether you’re looking for a dessert that feels like an after-school snack or a simple sweet that hits all the right notes, these bars will be just the thing.

Ingredients for Date Bars

• Dates: Baking with dates provides a naturally sweet and sticky filling, adding both flavor and moisture to these bars.
• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the date mixture, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit while helping thicken the filling.
• Water: Water softens the dates as they cook, breaking them down into a smooth, spreadable filling. Just a bit of water also helps bring the crumb mixture together, making it easier to press into the pan.
• Walnuts: These are optional, but nuts offer a crunchy texture and a contrast to the sweet, chewy filling. Consider toasting the nuts first to bring out their flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Flour creates the base structure of the bar, ensuring it holds together and bakes into a firm crust.
• Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness of the dates and enhances the overall flavor of the date bars.
• Baking soda: This leavening agent gives a slight rise to the oat mixture, keeping the bars light and tender.
• Quick-cooking oats: The oats add a hearty texture to the crust and topping, giving the bars a rustic chewiness.
• Brown sugar: Brown sugar contributes a deep molasses flavor while also adding moisture and sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Softened butter binds the dry ingredients together, creating a rich, crumbly texture for the crust and topping.

Directions

Step 1: Make the date filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped dates, sugar and water. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes thick and smooth, five to seven minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped walnuts, if you’re using them. Let the filling cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the crust and topping

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir in the oats and brown sugar until they’re fully combined. Add the softened butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the water over the mixture and gently toss to combine.

Step 3: Form the crust

Press half the crumb mixture evenly into a greased 13×9-inch baking pan to form the bottom crust.

Step 4: Assemble and bake the bars

Spread the cooled date filling over the crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top and gently pat it down. Bake until the top is lightly browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting and serving them.

Date Bar Variations

• Add chocolate chips: Stir a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the date filling for a rich, chocolaty twist on this date bars recipe.
• Use different nuts: Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor and texture.
• Try a citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the date mixture for a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Incorporate spices: Mix in cinnamon or cardamom to the date filling or the crust for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Make them vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and ensure the sugar is vegan, to create a plant-based version of this dessert.

How to Store Date Bars

To store these date bars, let them cool completely before cutting them and transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerated for up to a week.

Can you freeze date bars?

Yes, you can freeze these date bars! Once they’ve cooled completely, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Date Bar Tips

What kind of dates should you use to make date bars?

Dates are very healthy, and there are two main kinds of dates that are readily available, medjool or deglet noor dates. While it’s really a personal preference, we like medjool dates for these bars, as they’re naturally sweeter than deglet noor dates.

How can you make date bars even better?

A simple and easy way to elevate these bars is to play around with some warm spices that would enhance the already delicious bars. Something as easy as adding a sprinkle of cardamom or cinnamon can really take these date bars to the next level.

How can I make this date bar recipe gluten-free?

To make these date bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this swap should give you the same delicious result.

Can I add a frosting or glaze to these date bars?

Yes, for an extra sweet touch, you can drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top of the cooled bars.

Can I substitute the butter with oil?

While you can substitute butter with oil, keep in mind that butter provides a rich flavor and texture. If you prefer to use oil, try using a neutral oil like vegetable oil or refined coconut oil, but note that the texture may be slightly less crumbly.