Aunt Theresa’s Date Bars are a timeless treat, embodying the essence of homemade goodness and nostalgia. This delightful recipe encapsulates the warmth and comfort of family gatherings, making it perfect for sharing and indulging in with loved ones. With just a few simple steps, you can create these irresistible bars that are sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of sweet treats.
Cooking Time: PT25M
Preparation Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT40M
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients:
- 3 cups pitted dates, cut up (about 1 lb)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 208.3
- Fat Content: 6.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 9.8mg
- Sodium Content: 102.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 36.5g
- Fiber Content: 2.4g
- Sugar Content: 24.1g
- Protein Content: 2.2g
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 7
Yield: 25-30 bars
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Date Filling: In a saucepan, combine the cut up pitted dates, sugar, and water. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens into a luscious filling.
-
Preheat and Prep: While the date filling is simmering to perfection, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and generously grease a 13×9-inch baking pan, ensuring effortless removal of the bars later.
-
Mix the Crumbly Mixture: In a mixing bowl, blend together the brown sugar, butter, and shortening until they form a creamy mixture. Then, stir in the flour, quick-cooking oatmeal, salt, and baking soda until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly.
-
Layer the Bars: Press half of the crumbly mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Next, spoon the prepared date filling over the crumbs, spreading it carefully to reach the edges of the pan.
-
Finish with Crumbs: Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture evenly over the date filling, ensuring full coverage. Lightly press down on the top layer to ensure it adheres.
-
Bake to Perfection: Place the assembled bars into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful light brown hue, exuding tempting aromas that fill your kitchen.
-
Slice and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. While still warm, cut the bars into 2×1 1/2-inch pieces, embracing the anticipation of the first bite.
These Aunt Theresa’s Date Bars are a harmonious blend of sweet, chewy dates and crumbly oatmeal crust, creating a symphony of flavors and textures with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a midday snack, a delightful dessert, or a comforting indulgence with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to evoke feelings of warmth and contentment. Share them with family and friends, and let the joy of homemade goodness bring smiles to all who taste them.
