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Date Bars

These Date Bars are a cozy and easy homemade treat that transport you to your grandma's kitchen. They feature a chewy, sweet date filling paired with a buttery, crumbly topping, making them perfect for a weeknight treat, last-minute dessert, or a thoughtful gift.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 bars

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • bowl large
  • Baking pan 9x13 inch
  • Parchment paper
  • Whisk
  • fingers or pastry blender/forks

Ingredients
  

Date Filling

  • 2.5 cups Medjool dates pitted and finely diced, soft and gooey
  • 1 cup water or brewed coffee
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla or rum
  • 0.25 tsp salt pinch
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda

Crumble Topping

  • 1.75 cups quick-cooking oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 0.75 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.75 cup butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 tbsp butter softened to room temperature

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, combine pitted and finely diced dates with water or coffee.
    2.5 cups Medjool dates
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until dates soften and form a thick paste.
  • Stir in orange juice, butter, vanilla (or rum), and salt until well combined and butter is melted.
    2.5 cups Medjool dates
  • Sprinkle in baking soda and stir; the mixture will get foamy.
    2.5 cups Medjool dates
  • Remove from heat and let the date filling cool slightly.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
    2.5 cups Medjool dates
  • Add softened butter to the dry ingredients.
    2.5 cups Medjool dates
  • Using your fingers, pastry blender, or forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
  • Press about half of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  • Spread the date filling evenly over the crumble base.
  • Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the date filling.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown.
  • Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

These date bars are delicious at room temperature or chilled. Store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.