Classic Oat Date Bars

These classic oatmeal date bars are moist and delicious made with whole oats, flour, dates, butter and fresh orange zest with a gluten-free option.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings bars

Calories 201kcal

Author Amee

Boil together:
1 cup dates pitted and chopped
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp fresh orange zest
Mix together:
2 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour *can also use whole wheat pastry flour or cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
¾ cup brown sugar *I often cut this to 1/2 cup to cut the sweetness
1 tbsp real maple syrup
1 cup butter softened
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp baking soda dissolved in 1 tbsp boiling water

Combine dates, 1/2 cup brown sugar, orange zest and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook until thickened to a spreadable texture.
Cool mixture completely and combine remaining ingredients in order given.
Mix thoroughly.
Pack one-half of the mixture in a 9x13 pan sprayed generously with cooking spray or lightly greased with butter, pressing lightly.
Spread date mixture over top.
Top with the other half of oatmeal mixture, pressing lightly.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Remove from the oven
and cut into squares while warm.