How to Make Date Bars II - A Step-by-Step Guide

Date bars, also known as date squares or matrimonial bars, are a classic dessert that have been enjoyed for generations. These sweet and chewy treats are made with a mixture of dates, oats, and butter, and are often topped with a crumbly oat crust. They are a simple yet delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special occasion or just a family gathering.

There are many variations of date bars, but this recipe for Date Bars II is a tried and true favorite. The com...

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Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups chopped pitted dates
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • ⅞ cup water
  • 2 cups quick-cooking oats
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons water

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 20
  • Yield: 20 bars

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x9 inch square pan. In a small saucepan, combine the dates, 1/4 cup brown sugar, orange zest, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, allspice, lemon juice and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until dates are soft and the mixture becomes a thick paste, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  • To make the crust and topping, stir together the oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers. Mixture should be coarse and crumbly. Stir in 2 tablespoons water until evenly distributed. Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread the date mixture evenly over the crust all the way to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the date layer. Press down lightly.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is lightly toasted. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
  • Nutrition

    178 cal.

    • Total Fat: 8g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 18mg
    • Sodium: 122mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 27g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 15g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 25mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 124mg