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Homemade Date Bars

These date bars are a comforting, portable treat made with sticky Medjool dates, hearty rolled oats, and crunchy nuts, all baked until golden. The final texture is chewy and slightly crisp around the edges, with a caramel-like aroma that evokes nostalgic mornings. Simple to customize with spices and nuts, they make a perfect quick energy boost or cozy snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homemade
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 100 g unsalted butter
  • 200 g Medjool dates pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts almonds or pecans
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 20x20 cm (8x8 inch) baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat until it just starts bubbling and smells fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped dates to the warm butter, stirring until they are coated and begin to soften, releasing a caramel aroma. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until very gooey.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon, stirring to distribute evenly.
  5. Pour the warm date-butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir vigorously with a spatula until everything is evenly coated and sticky.
  6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down firmly with the back of a spatula or your fingers to create an even, compact layer.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and you smell a caramelized aroma wafting through your kitchen.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes, allowing the bars to set and firm up.
  9. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan, then slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.
  10. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for extra flavor.