Gran's Date Bars

Dates are nature's candy, and in this recipe they form the sweet basis for delicious, easy-to-make bars of oaty, walnutty, buttery goodness.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 33 mins
• Total Time: 48 mins
• Calories: 265 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup water
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ¾ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 8 ounces dates, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Bring dates and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer and stir until thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.

Step 3

Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, walnuts, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add melted butter; mix until blended.

Step 4

Pour 2/3 of the oat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish, pressing over the bottom and sides. Spread the date mixture over the oats; crumble remaining oat mixture evenly on top. Press down lightly.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 25 minutes.