My Grandmother'S "Date Oatmeal Bars"
Sweet, chewy date oatmeal bars with a buttery crust and rich filling, perfect for snack time or dessert, appealing to those who love fruit and oat treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook dates, water, sugar, salt, and vanilla for 3 minutes, then allow to cool.
- Mix the dry ingredients (oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking soda) as for pie crust.
- Spread half of the crust mixture in a 9 x 12-inch pan and press until firm.
- Spread the cooled date filling over the crust.
- Pat remaining crust on top of the date filling.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using medjool dates, which are softer and sweeter than other varieties. You can substitute half of the margarine with coconut oil for a vegan option. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust mixture. Be careful not to overmix the crust to keep it crumbly and tender.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious bars can be served as a snack or dessert, and pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a great addition to a picnic spread or a lunchbox treat, complementing fresh fruit or Amish (Sauerkraut) Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the date oatmeal bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Grandmother'S "Date Oatmeal Bars" contains roughly 450 calories, with 7g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oatmeal?
Yes, you can use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oatmeal. However, the texture will be chewier and may require a slightly longer baking time. Just be sure to chop the oats a bit finer if you want a similar texture to the original recipe.
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
To make these date oatmeal bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The bars should maintain their delicious flavor and texture with these substitutions.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! These date oatmeal bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).