Description
Indulgent date bars bring Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen, offering a guilt-free sweet treat packed with natural goodness. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful snack you’ll crave for energy and pure pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup coconut sugar
Sweeteners and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend oats, coconut oil, coconut sugar, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually incorporate water into the dry ingredients, kneading with hands until a cohesive, slightly sticky dough develops. Adjust moisture by adding small amounts of water if needed.
- Distribute half of the oat mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a uniform base layer.
- Create the date filling by combining dates, maple syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer and stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes, allowing dates to soften and transform into a thick, chunky consistency.
- For an optional chocolatey dimension, fold cocoa powder into the date filling.
- Carefully spread the date mixture across the oat base, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the date layer, gently pressing down to create a cohesive top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the surface achieves a golden-brown coloration.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Customize the sweetness by adjusting coconut sugar or maple syrup to suit personal taste preferences.
- Ensure dates are pitted and soft for a smooth, creamy filling that blends easily with maple syrup.
- Try alternative flour options like almond or gluten-free flour for different dietary needs.
- Add extra nutrition by incorporating chopped nuts or seeds into the oat mixture for added crunch and protein.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg