Date-Filled Cookie Bars (Fat & Dairy-Free) Recipe
If you’re in search of a delicious yet nutritious treat to tuck into school lunches, look no further than these Date-Filled Cookie Bars. They’re a hit with children and appreciated by parents for their wholesome ingredients, steering clear of refined sugars and fats. Not only can these bars be made ahead of time, but they also store beautifully in the freezer, making them a convenient option for busy days. Simply freeze, pack in your child’s lunch sack, and they’ll be perfectly thawed by lunchtime. Whether you use regular whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour (for a lighter texture), these bars are bound to become a staple.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups rolled oats
- 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 3/4 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups rolled oats, 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar. Mix well and set aside.
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Make the Sweetener Mixture: In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup honey and 1 cup boiling water to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. After cooling, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gently stir the honey mixture into the cereal mixture until well combined.
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Prepare the Filling: For the filling, process 1 cup boiling water, 3/4 cup chopped dates, and 1 cup raisins in a blender or food processor on high speed until you achieve a smooth puree, about 2 minutes.
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Assemble the Bars: In an 8 x 11 x 2 inch ovenproof glass baking dish, press 2 cups of the cereal mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Spread the date and raisin filling on top of this layer. Finally, sprinkle and press the remaining cereal mixture over the filling.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.
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Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before cutting into 24 bars.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 132.5
- Fat Content: 0.7 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
- Sodium Content: 47.8 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.4 g
- Fiber Content: 1.9 g
- Sugar Content: 19.1 g
- Protein Content: 2.2 g
These bars are perfect for a quick, nutritious snack or as a sweet addition to lunchboxes. Enjoy the natural sweetness and wholesome goodness! 🍯✨
