Decadent Date and Oat Crumble Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of these Decadent Date and Oat Crumble Bars, a classic treat that has won hearts for generations. Perfectly combining sweet, chewy dates with a rich oat and brown sugar crumble, these bars are ideal for gatherings, coffee hours, or as a homemade dessert. The layers of crumbly goodness create a wonderfully textured experience, while the citrus notes from orange and lemon juice add a refreshing twist. Serve them at potlucks, as a cozy snack on a chilly day, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy the nostalgia of homemade treats with each bite!
N/A
Servings
190
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
dates
1 lb (pitted and chopped)
cold water
1 cup (none)
brown sugar
4 tablespoons (packed)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed or bottled)
flour
2 1/4 cups (all-purpose)
baking soda
3/4 teaspoon (none)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
margarine
1 1/2 cups (softened)
brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
oatmeal
2 1/4 cups (old-fashioned or rolled)
Instructions
1
FILLING: In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the cold water and dates. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes until the dates soften. Add brown sugar and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat, then stir in the orange juice and lemon juice. Set aside to cool while you prepare the crust.
2
CRUMB CRUST: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed. Add the brown sugar, and with your fingertips, rub in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the oats until everything is evenly combined.
3
ASSEMBLY: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base. Evenly spread the cooled date filling over the crumb crust. Top with the remaining crumb mixture, spreading it evenly.
4
BAKING: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into bars. The number of servings will depend on how large you cut the pieces.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
27g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Date and Oat Crumble Bars?
These bars are a classic dessert featuring a sweet, chewy date filling between layers of rich oat and brown sugar crumble.
What ingredients are needed for the filling?
The filling requires 1 lb of pitted and chopped dates, 1 cup of cold water, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
How do I prepare the date filling?
Boil dates and water in a pot, simmer for 2 minutes, add brown sugar until dissolved, then stir in orange and lemon juices and let cool.
What are the dry ingredients for the crumb crust?
The dry ingredients include 2 1/4 cups of flour, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What type of oats should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of old-fashioned or rolled oatmeal.
What temperature should I bake the bars at?
The bars should be baked in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C).
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking pan.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 190 calories.
How much fat is in these bars?
Each serving contains 9g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein do these bars provide?
Each serving contains 2.5g of protein.
Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice.
How do I incorporate the margarine into the crust?
Rub the softened margarine into the flour and sugar mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, the instructions specify to grease the 9x13-inch baking pan before assembly.
How do I assemble the layers of the bars?
Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan, spread the date filling over it, and top with the remaining crumbs.
Should the date filling be hot or cold when assembled?
The date filling should be cooled before it is spread over the crumb crust.
Is brown sugar used in both the filling and the crust?
Yes, 4 tablespoons are used in the filling and 1 1/2 cups are used in the crust mixture.
What type of flour is best for these bars?
The recipe recommends using 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should the dates be prepared?
The dates should be pitted and chopped before starting the filling.
Can these bars be served at room temperature?
Yes, they are perfect for gatherings, coffee hours, or as a cozy snack.
When should I slice the bars?
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into pieces.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
What provides the refreshing twist in the flavor?
The addition of fresh orange juice and lemon juice provides a citrusy, refreshing twist.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses both 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Are these bars suitable for potlucks?
Yes, they are ideal for potlucks and are a classic treat that wins hearts.
Is the orange juice freshly squeezed?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What is the texture of the bars?
The bars feature a chewy date center with a crumbly, textured oat exterior.
Can I use old-fashioned oats?
Yes, old-fashioned or rolled oats are specifically recommended for the crust.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of standard table salt.