Heavenly Maple Date Bars
Indulge in the delightful taste of our Heavenly Maple Date Bars, a classic Canadian treat that perfectly blends chewy dates with a buttery oat crust. Ideal for festive gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these bars are easy to make and even easier to share. With a crumbly texture and a sweet, rich filling, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a place of comfort and joy. Whether enjoyed with a warm cup of tea or as a dessert at a dinner party, these bars are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.
16
Servings
140
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dates
8 ounces (cut up)
brown sugar
1 tablespoon
water
1/2 cup
all-purpose flour
1 cup
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/8 teaspoon
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
packed brown sugar
1 cup
oats (not instant)
2 cups
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of water.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cook while stirring often until the dates are soft enough to be mashed with a fork, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
4
Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
5
Gently fold in the packed brown sugar and oats, being careful not to over-mix; the mixture should remain crumbly.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7
Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of a lightly buttered 8x8-inch pan to form a base for the crust.
8
Spread the cooled date filling evenly over the crust.
9
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the date layer. Lightly pat it down with your palm for even distribution.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition Information
6.8g
Fat
21.3g
Carbs
1.9g
Protein
1.9g
Fiber
9.4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Maple Date Bars?
They are a classic Canadian treat featuring a chewy date filling and a buttery, crumbly oat crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 bars when cut from an 8x8-inch pan.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the date bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Can I use instant oats for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using oats that are not instant to ensure the proper crumbly texture.
What ingredients are needed for the date filling?
The filling requires 8 ounces of chopped dates, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of water.
How do I prepare the dates for the filling?
Combine the chopped dates, sugar, and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5-10 minutes until soft enough to mash.
How much butter is required for the crust?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of softened butter.
What is the best way to incorporate the butter into the flour?
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each bar contains 140 calories.
How much sugar is in one Heavenly Maple Date Bar?
There are 9.4 grams of sugar per serving.
Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?
The recipe is tagged as vegan-friendly, but you would need to substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
What size pan should I use?
A lightly buttered 8x8-inch baking pan is recommended.
Should I let the bars cool before cutting them?
Yes, it is important to let the bars cool completely to ensure they set properly before cutting into squares.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pan?
Press half the oat mixture into the bottom, spread the date filling on top, then sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the dates.
How much flour is used in the crust?
The recipe requires 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each bar provides 1.9 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6.8 grams of fat in each bar.
Do these bars contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 1.9 grams of dietary fiber.
What amount of brown sugar is needed for the crust?
You will need 1 cup of packed brown sugar for the crust mixture.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of salt is added to the flour mixture.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
What should the date filling look like when it's done cooking?
The dates should be soft enough to be easily mashed with a fork.
Can I use quick oats instead of regular oats?
The recipe specifies 'oats (not instant)' to maintain the traditional crumbly texture.
What is the carbohydrate count per bar?
There are 21.3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do I finish the top layer before baking?
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the dates and lightly pat it down with your palm.
Are these bars considered a comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as a traditional comfort food and a sweet snack.
Is the date filling hot when added to the crust?
The instructions advise letting the date filling cool before spreading it over the bottom crust.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
What category of dessert is this?
These are categorized as Bar Cookies.