OLD-FASHIONED DATE BAR RECIPE
Sweet date filling sandwiched between a buttery crust and oatmeal topping in this classic treat.
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