Easy Old-Fashioned Sweet Date Bars With Maple Syrup

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There’s something wonderfully comforting about old-fashioned desserts that taste like home and feel like a warm hug from the past.

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These old-school date bars have a rich maple flavor and are wrapped in a crumbly, buttery oat crust. Simple, cozy, and just like grandma used to make. It’s one of my favorite date recipes!

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 25 minutes
• Cooling time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1.5 hours
• Servings: 24 date squares
• Prep level: Beginner +

Ingredient Notes

• Dates: Use pitted Medjool or Deglet Noor dates for their natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor. Chop them into small pieces so they soften evenly. If your dates are dry, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes before using them.
• Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives these bars a warm, rich flavor. Pure maple syrup is best for the most authentic taste.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth and molasses-like sweetness . Both light or dark brown sugar work, it all depends on how rich you want the flavor.
• Butter: I use unsalted butter in the crust. If you are using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
• Rolled oats: Old-fashioned oats make the texture hearty and chewy. Quick oats can be used in a pinch but the texture will be slightly different.
• Lemon juice: (the secret ingredient) Gives the bars a slight crisp taste as it balances out the sweetness of the dates, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
• Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty balance to the sweet filling. Toast them first for extra flavor. Chocolate Chips – add a handful of chips for an indulgent treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Combine dates, water, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened.
• Stir in lemon juice, and remove from the heat. Let the date mixture cool while you prepare the crust.

• Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Cube the cold butter.

• Mix in the butter with a pastry cutter, two forks, or with your hands until crumbly.
• Spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of a baking pan in an even layer.

• Spread the filling over the base, and spread the remaining crumb mixture on top.

• Bake in the oven until the top is golden brown. Cool to room temperature before cutting.

See the recipe card below for complete measurements and cook times.

Laura Belle’s Tips

1. Use soft plump dates – Sweet medjool dates are the best. They’re naturally moist. If your dates seem dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
2. Go for real maple syrup – Choose pure maple syrup for deep, natural sweetness.
3. Simmer the filling gently – Cooking the dates with maple syrup over low heat makes a thick, spreadable filling. Don’t rush this step.
4. Use old-fashioned rolled oats – they work best for this easy dessert.

Storing 

At room temperature – Store date cookies in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days.

In the fridge – For longer freshness, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week. Let them come to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.

In the freezer – Date bars freeze beautifully! Slice them, then layer with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature.

Make Ahead

These bars even taste better the next day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week.

For All You Date Lovers

Check out these delicious treats:

• Bacon-Wrapped Dates – They’re easy to make and so delicious! 
• Stuffed Dates with Creamy Peanut Butter – from Lazy Cat Kitchen

Continue to Content

Yield: 24 pieces

Easy Old-Fashioned Sweet Date Bars With Maple Syrup

Print

Old-school date bars have a rich maple flavor and are wrapped in a crumbly, buttery oat crust. Simple, cozy, and just like grandma used to make.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Date Mixture:
• 1 pound dates – chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Crust:
• 1.5 cups of flour
• 1.5 cups of old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup light brown sugar – packed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter – cold (2 sticks), cubed
• Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine dates, water, maple syrup, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from the heat.
3. Let the date mixture cool while you prepare the crust. 
4. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
5. Cut the cold butter into cubes.
6. Mix in the butter with a pastry cutter, two forks, or with your hands until crumbly.
7. Spray the baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
8. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of an 11×9 baking pan in an even layer.
9. Spread the date filling over the base.
10. Spread the remaining crumb mixture on top.
11. Bake in the oven until the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
12. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack before cutting into 24 pieces.

Notes

Helpful Equipment and Tools

• 11×9-inch baking pan (for thicker bars, an 8×8-inch square baking dish can be used)
• Large mixing bowl
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Pastry cutter or two forks
• Wire cooling rack

Recipe Info

• Easy to Make 
• Simple Ingredients 
• Great Make-Ahead Dessert 
• Sweet and Nostalgic

Recipe Tips

• Use Soft Plump Dates – Fresh dates are best 
• Go for Real Maple Syrup 
• Simmer the Filling Gently 
• Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 211Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 53mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 2g

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