- Kim Campbell
Date Bars
Updated: Dec 16, 2018
This is probably the most requested cookie/bar in my house - sweet dates cooked to perfection, sandwiched between a nutty oatmeal crumble. They are wholesome and rich in flavor. I like to prepare these during the holidays.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yields: 12 bars
Ingredients:
2 cups instant oats
4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
9 tablespoons water, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 pound pitted Medjool dates, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 9 x 9 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the oatmeal, 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, applesauce, 4 tablespoons of the water, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. This should have a thick consistency.
Firmly press half the oatmeal mixture into the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining oatmeal crumble for the top.
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the dates, walnuts, remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup, remaining 5 tablespoons water, lemon juice, and almond extract, stirring constantly until thickened, about 10 minutes.
Spread the thickened date mixture evenly over the oatmeal crumble mixture using a spatula. Top with the remaining oat mixture and press lightly.
Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes.
Cool thoroughly and cut into 12 bars.
Kim's hints:
Silicone pans will not stick and you won't need to use parchment paper. Amazon sells silicone baking mats, bread pans, muffin molds, and casserole pans that are very inexpensive. I highly recommend them if you bake often.
I like to drizzle a light coating of powdered sugar and water over the top for a garnish. This is not necessary and adds extra sugar, special occasions only!