There is something about dates, that sweet mouth-watering fruit, made into a filling between buttery oatmeal crusts that is so delicious. This date bar recipe is simple and yummy – your family will love them! If you’ve never tried dates, here is a recipe that will make you fall in love with them. If you love figs or raisins will absolutely love dates.
Dates are so good for you, as well. In these days of looking for ways to add more fiber and potassium to your diet, dates are a great choice.
Usually found at grocery stores in the same area as raisins, dates are sold whole or chopped. Although buying them chopped means that you don’t have to chop them yourself, it’s best to buy them whole (usually just referred to as “pitted”, as the pit will be removed before sale). Pitted dates are soft and easy to cut up, and will be fresher than the ones sold as chopped. (It will take about 12 ounces of pitted dates to have enough for this recipe.)
Best Date Bars Recipe
Ingredients for Best Date Bars:
- 3 cups dates, chopped (cut each date in quarters)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 ½ cups oatmeal (not instant)
Directions for Best Date Bars:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped dates, white sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes). Cool completely (the mixture will thicken more as it cools).
In a mixing bowl, combine with a fork or pastry cutter the butter, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the oatmeal.
Pat ½ of the oatmeal mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9x13 baking pan. Spread the date mixture over the oatmeal mixture, and top with the remaining oatmeal mixture – pat down gently. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes. While still warm, cut into bars and remove from the pan.
(Adapted from Betty Crocker’s picture cookbook, 1950)
Other delicious recipes:
Toffee bar recipe – these are SO good!
Paula Deen’s lemon bar recipe – absolutely delicious
Best apple crisp recipe – the very best ever
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