Description
Chewy, buttery, and mildly spiced, these date bars are a nostalgic Southern treat with a modern twist. Easy to make, naturally sweetened, and endlessly customizable—perfect for gatherings or wholesome snacking.
Ingredients
2 cups Medjool dates (about 15, pitted)
1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour)
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
¼ cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla bean
1 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 pan.
2. In a saucepan, combine dates, ½ cup water, and lemon juice. Simmer until soft and paste-like (8–10 min).
3. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon zest. Set aside.
4. Mix oats, flour, melted butter, and maple syrup until crumbly but sticky.
5. Press half the oat mix into pan. Layer with date filling.
6. Top with remaining oat mixture and press gently.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until golden.
8. Cool completely before slicing for best texture.
Notes
Swap butter with coconut oil for a vegan version.
Add-ins: chocolate chips, nuts, cardamom, peanut butter, or protein powder.
Store at room temp (3 days), fridge (7 days), or freeze (3 months).
Use old-fashioned oats for texture.
Let cool 30+ minutes before cutting to firm up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: date bars, healthy snack, Southern dessert, gluten-free option