Craving something sweet, chewy, and just a little bit healthy? These Oatmeal Date Bars are the perfect snack for when you want something that hits all the right notes—sweet, hearty, and satisfying. With a lovely balance of rich dates and wholesome oats, these bars are not only delicious but packed with natural sweetness and energy. They’re perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Made with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, these oatmeal date bars come together quickly and easily. They’re moist, naturally sweetened, and full of flavor—plus, they make for a great homemade gift for friends and family! Let’s dive in and make these little squares of joy!

Why You’ll Love Oatmeal Date Bars

Name: Oatmeal Date Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: These Oatmeal Date Bars feature a sweet and chewy date filling sandwiched between two layers of buttery, oat-based crumble. They’re a delightful treat that combines the wholesome flavors of oats and dates, perfect for snacks or dessert.

Here’s why these date bars will quickly become a staple in your snack rotation:

Naturally Sweetened: Dates provide the perfect amount of natural sweetness, so you can skip refined sugar without sacrificing flavor.

Hearty and Filling: Packed with oats, these bars will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours, making them a great breakfast or snack option.

Wholesome Ingredients: With oats, nuts, and dates, these bars are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals—great for a healthy energy boost.

Quick and Easy: This recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients or equipment. Just mix, press, and bake!

Customizable: Want to add chocolate chips, coconut, or nuts? Feel free to get creative and make these bars your own.

Perfect for Meal Prep: These bars store beautifully, so you can make a batch in advance and enjoy them all week long.

Ingredients in Oatmeal Date Bars

The ingredients for these oatmeal date bars are simple but delicious. Let’s take a look at what we’re working with:

Dates: The star of the show! Dates are naturally sweet and provide a rich, caramel-like flavor to these bars.

Oats: Rolled oats give these bars a hearty texture and provide fiber to keep you feeling full.

Nuts (optional): Walnuts, almonds, or pecans are a great way to add crunch and extra flavor to your bars.

Honey: A touch of honey adds sweetness and binds everything together.

Butter (or coconut oil): This adds richness and helps to keep the bars soft and chewy.

Vanilla Extract: For a little depth of flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the dates.

(Note: full measurements and quantities are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Time to make these wholesome bars! Here’s how you can whip them up:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Prepare the Dates: Pit and chop the dates into small pieces. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up.

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or coconut oil over low heat. Once melted, stir in the honey and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the oats and nuts (if using). Add the chopped dates to this mixture, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Add Wet to Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined.

Press Into the Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the bars for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. They’ll smell amazing while baking, and you’ll know they’re done when they’re slightly firm to the touch.

Let Cool: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares. This step helps them set and makes them easier to cut.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice them up, and you’re ready to enjoy! These bars make for a great snack or breakfast on the go.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: 180

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Oatmeal Date Bars

These oatmeal date bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to take them up a notch:

Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a filling breakfast.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.
Top with a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter for a little extra protein.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best oatmeal date bars:

If you want a softer bar, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. If you prefer a firmer bar, bake them a little longer.
To make the bars vegan, swap the butter for coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.
For an extra crunch, try adding chia seeds or flax seeds to the mixture.
These bars store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use other dried fruits instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with dried apricots, raisins, or figs, though the flavor will be a bit different.

2 Can I make these bars without nuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer a nut-free version, just leave them out, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

3 How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free oats to ensure that these bars are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

4 Can I use brown sugar instead of honey?
Yes, brown sugar would work well, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Honey adds a natural sweetness and helps with binding.

5 Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
Of course! Chocolate chips would add a lovely indulgent touch to these bars.

6 How long do these bars last?
These bars can last up to a week at room temperature or up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

7 Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.

8 Can I make these bars without butter?
Yes! You can substitute butter with coconut oil or a nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter.

9 Can I adjust the sweetness of these bars?
Absolutely! If you prefer a less sweet bar, reduce the amount of honey or omit it entirely.

10 Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a warming flavor.

Conclusion

Oatmeal Date Bars are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness. With oats, dates, and a touch of honey, these bars are not only a great snack but also a satisfying breakfast or post-workout treat. Whether you’re packing them for a busy day or enjoying them as a cozy treat at home, these bars will quickly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

Oatmeal Date Bars

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Author: Ikram
Prep Time: 25min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 55min
Yield: 18 bars
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Oatmeal Date Bars feature a sweet and chewy date filling sandwiched between two layers of buttery, oat-based crumble. They’re a delightful treat that combines the wholesome flavors of oats and dates, perfect for snacks or dessert.

Ingredients

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Instructions

1. **Prepare the filling:** In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped dates, granulated sugar, and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes a spreadable consistency, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the filling cool to room temperature.

2. **Prepare the crust and topping:** In a bowl, mix together the rolled oats, almond flour, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the almond butter, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. If desired, fold in chocolate chips or slivered almonds.

3. **Assemble the bars:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top, pressing it down gently.

4. **Bake:** Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.