Date Bars (Printable Recipe)
Sweet Medjool date filling layered in buttery oat crumble for a chewy and nostalgic dessert bar.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Filling
01 -
2 1/2 cups Medjool dates, pitted and finely diced
02 -
1 cup water or brewed coffee
03 -
2 tablespoons orange juice
04 -
2 tablespoons butter
05 -
2 teaspoons vanilla or rum
06 -
Pinch of salt
07 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
→ Crumble
08 -
1 3/4 cups quick-cooking oats
09 -
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
10 -
3/4 cup brown sugar
11 -
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
12 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 -
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang on two sides.
02 -
In a medium pot, combine dates, water, orange juice, butter, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir in baking soda, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring constantly. Let cool.
03 -
In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Cut in softened butter using a fork or pastry blender until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
04 -
Firmly press half of the crumble mixture into the base of the prepared dish. Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust. Top with remaining crumble and press lightly, leaving some date filling visible.
05 -
Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
06 -
Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean cuts.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
You can substitute brewed coffee for water to deepen the flavor of the filling.
02 -
For added crunch, incorporate toasted chopped pecans into the top crumble layer.
03 -
Adding orange zest to the crumble enhances citrus aroma and flavor.