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old-fashioned date bars
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OLD-FASHIONED DATE BAR RECIPE

Sweet date filling sandwiched between a buttery crust and oatmeal topping in this classic treat.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Keyword date bars, dates
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 18 pieces
Calories 184kcal

Ingredients

crust

  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract or vanilla extract
  • 1 cup flour gluten-free works great!

filling

  • 8-12 oz Medjool dates chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

topping

  • 3/4 cup flour gluten-free works great!
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed
  • 4 tablespoons butter cold
  • 1/4 cup quick oatmeal
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted optional

Instructions

Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray a 9 inch square pan
  • Beat the butter and sugar together, add the extract and beat well.
  • Add the flour and beat on low just until it starts to come together and then use a fork or your fingers to finish bringing it together. It will be crumbly.
  • Press the dough into the pan and press in well.
  • Bake for 10 minutes or until set. Do not overbake.

Filling

  • Meanwhile, in a small, heavy saucepan bring the water to a boil.
  • Add the sugar, nutmeg, and chopped dates.
  • Bring it back to a boil and then turn the heat down on low to simmer, stirring often.
  • When thickened and soft, about 10 minutes, stir in the salt and remove from heat.
  • Spread the filling on the baked crust.

Topping

  • Mix the flour, sugar, and butter with a pastry cutter until nice and crumbly.
  • Add the oats and, if using, walnuts.
  • Using a spatula, spread the topping on the date filling.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan. Use a buttered knife if you find the bars are sticky and difficult to remove cleanly.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 235IU | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg