Pineapple Date Bars
Sweet and hearty pineapple date bars combine chewy oatmeal, rich brown sugar, and a tropical filling, perfect for a comforting snack or dessert for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix brown sugar, flour, and oatmeal in a bowl.
- Add melted margarine and mix well.
- Dissolve baking soda in water and add to the mixture.
- Press half of the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan to form the base.
- Spread pineapple date filling evenly over the batter.
- Crumble the remaining batter over the filling.
- Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cut into bars while hot and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute half of the flour with whole wheat flour. To enhance the flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. Ensure that the margarine is fully melted to achieve the right consistency for mixing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful pineapple date bars warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert. For breakfast, enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect addition to your morning routine, much like Lori's Breakfast Pizza.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bars have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes at 350°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Date Bars contains roughly 403 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
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
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them as they bake, since oven temperatures can vary. If they start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
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).