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This nostalgic treat features sweet Medjool dates nestled between buttery oat crumble layers. Thick and chewy with a soft middle and golden crust, they make a satisfying dessert or afternoon snack.
I always keep a stash in the freezer for unexpected guests. Everyone loves their comforting texture and hint of citrus.
Ingredients
- Medjool dates: finely chopped for sweet and sticky filling use soft ones for easy blending
- Water or brewed coffee: adds moisture and depth coffee enhances richness
- Orange juice: adds brightness choose freshly squeezed if possible
- Butter: gives body and flavor use good quality unsalted
- Vanilla or rum: offers aroma and warmth
- Salt: balances the sweetness
- Baking soda: softens the dates while cooking
- Quick oats: form the base for the crumble texture matters so avoid rolled oats
- All purpose flour: gives structure spoon and level for accuracy
- Brown sugar: sweetens and enhances flavor choose light brown for subtle molasses notes
- Baking powder: helps lift the crumble slightly
- Cinnamon: warms up the whole mix
- Softened butter: makes blending into crumbs easier
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center. Line an 8 inch square pan with parchment so it hangs slightly over two edges. This helps you lift the bars out later without breaking.
- Simmer the filling:
- In a medium saucepan combine the diced dates with water orange juice butter vanilla and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir constantly. Add baking soda once boiling and simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and dates break down. Let this cool to thicken slightly.
- Make the crumble mixture:
- In a large bowl whisk together oats flour brown sugar baking powder and cinnamon. Add softened butter and use a fork pastry cutter or clean hands to work it in until coarse crumbs form.
- Build the layers:
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the date mixture evenly over the crust using the back of a spoon. Top with the remaining crumble pressing gently to adhere but letting some date filling peek through.
- Bake until golden:
- Place pan in preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the filling bubbling around the edges. Let cool in the pan completely before slicing into neat bars.
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Storage Tips
Let bars cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. For longer storage wrap individual bars and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap brewed coffee for water to add a deeper flavor to the filling. Try using nutmeg or cardamom instead of cinnamon in the crumble. Pecans or walnuts make a great crunchy topping addition. You can even add orange zest for extra citrusy lift.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are great on their own but even better served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. For brunch slice them into small squares and serve on a platter alongside fruit.
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Cultural Context
Date bars are a traditional comfort food across many cuisines especially in Middle Eastern and North African cooking where dates are a staple. This version blends classic American crumble methods with rich date filling making them a timeless hybrid treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use regular oats instead of quick oats?
Quick oats are recommended for the best texture, but you can pulse regular oats in a food processor a few times to mimic quick oats.
- → Can I substitute the orange juice?
Yes, you can use lemon juice or omit it entirely, though orange juice adds a nice citrus brightness that complements the dates.
- → Is brewed coffee necessary for the filling?
No, brewed coffee is optional and used as a flavor enhancer. Water works perfectly well in the filling.
- → How should I store the date bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months.
- → Can I add nuts or spices to the crumble?
Absolutely. Chopped pecans and spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → Do I need to let the bars cool before slicing?
Yes, letting them cool completely helps them set and ensures clean slices without the filling spilling out.