Date Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Pitted Dates
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 cups Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
• 1/2 cup Almond Flour
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. 2

   In a saucepan, combine pitted dates and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until dates are softened. Stir in baking soda; the mixture will bubble.

3. 3

   Remove from heat and mash the dates with a fork or potato masher until a coarse paste forms. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. 4

   In a medium bowl, combine gluten-free rolled oats, almond flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

5. 5

   Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts, if using.

6. 6

   Press half of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

7. 7

   Spread the date filling evenly over the crust.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the date filling to form the crumble topping.

9. 9

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

10. 10

    Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into bars.

Recipe Variations

• →Try adding different herbs for variety.
• →Substitute ingredients based on dietary needs.