Are you a fan of sweet treats that are also packed with nutritious ingredients? Look no further! Dates are a fantastic addition to many desserts, providing natural sweetness and a boost of fiber and antioxidants. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering date bar recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends. From classic combinations like oatmeal and chocolate chip to innovative twists like coconut and lemon zest, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a healthy snack option or a foodie seeking new inspiration in the kitchen, these decadent date bars are sure to become your new obsession.
Chewy Oatmeal Date Bars
Chewy Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe
These soft and chewy bars are packed with the natural sweetness of dates, rolled oats, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
- Pulse in dates, honey, and cinnamon until just combined.
- Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chocolate Chip Date Bars
These decadent bars combine the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of chocolate chips, all wrapped up in a gooey, buttery crust. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until well combined.
4. Add chopped dates and stir until they’re evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
5. Press half of the date mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Top with chocolate chips, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Cover with remaining date mixture and smooth out.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Coconut Date Energy Bars
These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of dates with the creamy richness of coconut, making them a perfect snack for busy days. With only 6 ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dates and peanut butter. Mash with a fork until well combined.
2. Add in the shredded coconut, honey, and salt. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. If using walnuts, fold them into the dough.
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch pan.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.
Cooking Time: None! No baking required.
Almond Butter Date Bars
A sweet and nutty twist on traditional date bars, these treats combine the natural sweetness of dates with the rich flavor of almond butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup almond butter
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together chopped dates, almond butter, oats, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gluten-Free Date and Nut Bars
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these chewy and nutritious bars, packed with the natural sweetness of dates and the crunch of nuts. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup gluten-free oats
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine dates and honey until smooth.
2. Add chopped almonds, shredded coconut, maple syrup, and salt. Blend until well combined.
3. Stir in gluten-free oats.
4. Press mixture into a lined 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Cut into bars. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: None required! These bars are no-bake and ready to go.
Vegan Date and Fig Bars
Vegan Date and Fig Bars: A Sweet and Savory Treat
These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of dates and figs with a hint of spice, making them perfect for a quick snack or dessert. With only 7 ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and requires no baking!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh figs
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup almond butter
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine dates, figs, oats, and almond butter. Process until well combined.
2. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Process until the mixture forms a sticky dough.
3. Press the dough into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before cutting into bars.
5. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no baking required!)
Banana Date Protein Bars
Get ready to power up with these deliciously healthy banana date protein bars! Made with wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners, these no-bake treats are perfect for a post-workout snack or a quick energy boost.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/4 cup dates, pitted
– 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
– 1 tablespoon almond butter
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine bananas, dates, and protein powder. Blend until smooth.
2. Add almond butter, honey, and salt. Blend until well combined.
3. Stir in rolled oats.
4. Press mixture into a lined or greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Cut into bars and serve.
Cooking Time: None (no-bake)
Peanut Butter Date Bars
Peanut Butter Date Bars: A Sweet Treat with a Nutty Twist
These chewy bars combine the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of peanut butter, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chopped dates and peanut butter. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oats, salt, and baking powder.
4. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Spread the date-peanut butter mixture over the crust.
6. Top with remaining oat mixture.
7. Drizzle honey over the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Date Bars
These bars combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the natural sweetness of dates, perfect for a fall dessert or snack. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy these delicious treats in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine dates, oats, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Drizzle honey over the top of the bars.
5. If using pecans, sprinkle them evenly over the honey.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Zest Date Bars
Brighten up your snack time with these sweet and tangy bars, featuring the perfect combination of juicy dates, zesty lemon, and crunchy oat topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together chopped dates, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
3. Add melted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest; stir until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5. Top with rolled oats.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Caramel Date Bars with Sea Salt
These chewy bars are packed with sweet caramel, tender dates, and a touch of sea salt. A perfect treat for anyone looking for a unique flavor combination.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates
– 1/2 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Fold in dates and flour mixture until just combined.
5. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple Walnut Date Bars
These Maple Walnut Date Bars are a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a snack or dessert. Crunchy oat topping, chewy date filling, and the warmth of maple syrup all come together in a deliciously satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 stick (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together oats, walnuts, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, combine dates, maple syrup, honey, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with date mixture.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the date layer. Top with remaining oat mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Blueberry Date Bars
These bars are a perfect blend of sweet blueberries and chewy dates, all wrapped up in a crumbly oat crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and stir until mixture forms a crumbly dough.
4. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish.
5. Arrange blueberries and dates on top of the crust.
6. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with remaining dough.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
8. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Date Bars with Almonds
These indulgent bars combine the natural sweetness of dates with the richness of dark chocolate, topped with a crunchy almond crust. Perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine dates, oats, sugar, and chocolate chips. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the top of the bars.
5. Drizzle melted butter and vanilla extract over the almonds.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Apple Cinnamon Date Bars
These sweet and satisfying bars combine the natural sweetness of apples and dates with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for a cozy snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh dates
– 1 large apple, peeled and diced
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, chopped dates, diced apple, and cinnamon; mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Tahini Date Bars with Sesame Seeds
A sweet and nutty twist on the classic date bar, these Tahini Date Bars are perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sesame seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 cup rolled oats
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together chopped dates, tahini, honey, sesame seeds, and salt until well combined.
3. Press the date mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Drizzle lemon juice over the top of the bars and sprinkle with rolled oats.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
6. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Gingerbread Date Bars
These sweet and spicy bars are perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a holiday party. The combination of gingerbread, dates, and gooey caramel is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– Salt to taste
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon.
3. Add butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press half the dough into the prepared baking dish.
5. Top with dates and remaining dough.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Matcha Green Tea Date Bars
These bite-sized treats combine the bright, grassy flavor of matcha green tea with the natural sweetness of dates and a crumbly oat crust. Perfect for a snack or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup matcha green tea powder
– 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×6-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, sugar, and matcha powder. Add melted butter, mixing until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
3. Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange chopped dates on top of the crust.
5. Top with remaining oat mixture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in sweet and satisfying treats with these 18 decadent date bar recipes! From chewy oatmeal bars to coconut energy bars, there’s something for everyone. Try classic combinations like chocolate chip and peanut butter or get creative with unique flavor profiles like matcha green tea and gingerbread. Whether you’re a fan of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With gluten-free, vegan, and protein-packed options available, there’s never been a better time to get baking!
