What’s more divine than the best bars made with a luscious sweet date filling, lavishly topped with a scrumptious, buttery oat crumble? A delicious and wholesome treat, boasting a trifecta of appealing attributes: they’re gluten-free, made with natural sweetness, and surprisingly simple to prepare.
From that very first morsel, I was utterly captivated by the irresistible allure of those scrumptious date bars.
Sweet and indulgent, these treats boast a richly flavored date filling beautifully balanced by the tender, butter-kissed texture of their oat-based exterior. With only a few basic ingredients on hand, these treats are effortlessly whipped together. They harmonize delightfully with a comforting cup of hot beverage, such as my rich and creamy homemade hot chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweetness bursts forth from the dates, eliminating the need for refined sugar’s excess.
- Simple steps require basic ingredients and don’t demand any fancy equipment.
- Indulge in these no-guilt treats, where wholesome oats and luscious dates take center stage, offering a surprising fusion of decadence and nutritious benefits.
- A delightful treat perfect to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, making it an excellent companion for busy days; equally wonderful served as a sweet indulgence following a satisfying dinner.
- With a simple batch, you can freeze some for later, ensuring a convenient, ready-to-go snack whenever the mood hits.
Ingredients Needed
- The crown jewel of our menu – a succulent and juicy patty that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate. Select supremely succulent and yielding dates for an unparalleled jammy consistency. While I enjoy using Medjool dates, any type will suffice as long as they’re pleasantly sticky.
- These forms the hearty, crumbly base and topping, providing a sturdy foundation for any dish to which they’re added. The oats provide a pleasant chewiness, whereas the oat flour plays a crucial role in binding all the ingredients together seamlessly. You can simply blend rolled oats in a processor to create your own oat flour, even if that’s all you have on hand.
- A subtly sweetened syrup that harmonizes elegantly with the dates and oats, its gentle caramel notes adding depth to the blend.
- A subtle hint of warmth to harmonize all the flavors in perfect unison.
- or – your choice! Both methods will impart these bars with a depth of flavor and a velvety texture. While butter lends a traditional pastry taste, coconut oil ensures dairy-free indulgence. Ensure you employ room-temperature coconut oil instead of melted oil to ensure seamless integration with the dough.
- A hint of radiance in the daily grind can make all the world of difference.
Substitutions
- No need to stress if your coconut sugar supply is running low: a substitute with brown sugar can still yield a warm, caramel-like flavor. Feeling adventurous? Explore the distinct charm of maple sugar or a granulated monk fruit sweetener to revolutionize your culinary creations with a one-of-a-kind blend of flavor and texture.
- Adding chopped walnuts or almonds provides a delightful textural contrast and depth of flavour; however, feel free to omit them for a streamlined approach. These bars possess an undeniable delectability that remains unaltered regardless of whether they’re enjoyed with or without the added texture of crunch.
How to Make Date Bars
On a medium heat, combine the dates and water in a saucepan, allowing the mixture to reach a gentle boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for approximately 10 minutes, or until the desired consistency of thick and jammy is achieved. Combine the vanilla extract and lemon juice, whisking until well combined, before setting the mixture aside.
In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine oat flour, rolled oats, coconut sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Combine vanilla extract with the dry ingredients, incorporating them thoroughly, then add in softened butter or coconut oil to create a harmonious blend.
Employ a fork or your digits to amalgamate the mixture until a rustic dough takes shape, coalescing into compact clusters.
Compact approximately two cups of the crumble mixture into the prepared pan, creating a dense and even crust. Sprinkle the date filling evenly across the crust, followed by a light dusting of the remaining crumble mixture; gently press this topping into place to ensure it adheres securely.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is visibly bubbly and the topping has reached a golden brown. Allow the bars to cool down fully before dividing them into 16 portions and serving.
Brittany’s Tips
- Soaking your dates in warm water for a few minutes prior to cooking can help rehydrate and plump them up, making them taste more succulent and flavorful when prepared. This crucial step ensures the development of a luscious, fruity filling rather than a dense, chewy centre.
- Don’t be shy! Utilize the palms of your hands or the flat surface of a measuring cup to apply firm pressure to the bottom crust, ensuring its cohesion and structural integrity upon baking.
- Assemble the bars once the toasting has reached a golden hue and the filling’s surface crackles with bubbles. To prevent overbaking and drying out, monitor the oven closely as they bake.
How to Store
Once cooled, store your date bars in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. A convenient option for a quick departure.
For optimal freshness and shelf life, store them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below for up to seven days. Craving a future snack? They freeze beautifully too. Simply package these indulgences, store them at sub-zero temperatures, and retrieve them as desired for an instant gratification of your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When dating becomes dry or tough, a brief submersion in warm water can work wonders, rendering the fruit tender and perfect for creating luscious fillings.
As long as you’re utilising certified gluten-free oats and oat flour, these bars can be successfully transformed into a gluten-free treat. Ensure you thoroughly inspect all ingredient labels for accuracy.
Inspect the surface of the pastry for a subtle sheen of golden brown color, and verify that the edges possess a lively, airy quality to their filling. As soon as you spot these telltale signs, extract the bars, allowing them to reach a state of complete coolness prior to slicing into neat, professional-looking squares.
