Classic Date Bars Recipe

Name: Classic Date Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups water; 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, diced, room temperature

Servings: persons

1
Preheat oven to 350F.
2
Butter 8x8-inch metal baking pan.
3
Bring 1 1/2 cups water to simmer in medium saucepan.
4
Add dates; simmer until very soft and thick, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
5
Cool to room temperature.
6
Stir in vanilla.
7
Combine flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in large bowl; stir to blend.
8
Add butter.
9
Using fingertips, rub in until moist clumps form.
10
Press half of oat mixture evenly over bottom of prepared pan.
11
Spread date mixture over.
12
Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture; press gently to adhere.
13
Bake until brown at edges and golden brown and set in center, about 40 minutes.
14
Cool completely in pan on rack.
15
Cut into bars and serve.

774

kcal

Calories

Fat

105

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups chopped pitted dates, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, and more.

Yes, Classic Date Bars falls under the Drinks & Smoothies category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Classic Date Bars

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions