Are you craving a sweet treat that's both wholesome and satisfying? Look no further! These homemade date bars with oatmeal are the perfect answer. They're incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet deliver a burst of deliciousness that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a quick snack, a delightful dessert, or even a healthy addition to your packed lunch, these date bars are a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and beginner bakers alike!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates, roughly chopped
- ½ cup boiling water
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds – your choice!)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional, but adds a lovely texture)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dates: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped dates and boiling water. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften the dates. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and sticky base for your bars.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped nuts, shredded coconut (if using), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well to distribute the spices evenly.
-
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Once the dates have softened, use a fork or potato masher to mash them until they form a smooth paste. Add the melted butter (or coconut oil) to the date paste and mix well. Then, pour the date mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
-
Press into a Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Press the date and oat mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.
-
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bars are set. Keep a close eye on them during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
-
Cool and Cut: Let the date bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This allows them to firm up and makes them easier to cut neatly. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Date Bars:
- For extra chewy bars: Use old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick-cooking oats will result in a slightly less chewy texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, dried fruits (like cranberries or chopped apricots), or chocolate chips.
Variations:
- Chocolate Date Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dry ingredient mixture for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Date Bars: Increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, or add a dash of ginger or cardamom for a warmer flavor profile.
- Vegan Date Bars: Simply substitute the butter with coconut oil for a delicious vegan option.
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 3-4 grams
- Fiber: Around 3-4 grams
These delicious and healthy date bars are a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and wholesome ingredients, making them a treat you can feel good about indulging in. Enjoy!