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Three vegan date bars covered in chewy oats on a wooden board with a bowl of dates in the background.

Easy Vegan Date Bars


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Description

These Vegan Date Bars are a deliciously sweet and salty treat, made with wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, and coconut sugar. Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert, these gooey, chewy bars are sure to please!


Ingredients

Scale

16 Ounces Medjool or Deglet pitted dates (about 2 1/2 cups)

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup water

2 1/2 cups Old Fashioned or Quick Oats uncooked

1/2 cup all purpose flour (see notes for GF)

1/3 cup coconut sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup melted vegan butter (I used Miyoko's for this recipe)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Chop the pitted dates and place them in a saucepan.

  2. Add water and baking soda to the dates, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Using a potato masher mash the dates and set aside.

  3. In a bowl, mix oats, flour, coconut sugar, and salt. Melt butter and stir into the oat mixture.
  4. Press 2 1/4 cups of the oat mixture into a parchment-lined 8x8 baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
  5. Allow crust to cool for 10 minutes before adding date mixture.  Spoon the date mixture over the crust. Use a fork to spread it evenly.
  6. Add the remaining oat mixture on top, gently pressing it down. Bake for another 20-22 minutes, until golden brown.
  7. Cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into bars and serving!

Notes

Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten free version, simply swap the all purpose flour for oat flour or GF flour. Just make sure to use certified gluten free oats as well as oat flour to keep everything safe.
Both quick oats and old fashioned oats works perfectly in this recipe. I opt for the old fashioned oats because I feel like it gives the bars a delightful chewiness.
Both Deglet and Medjool dates are excellent options for this recipe, so go with whichever you prefer or have on hand. Remember to go with pitted, you'll thank me later!
For the best results when spreading the sticky date mixture, use a fork. The tines of the fork allow you to spread the mixture evenly without it sticking, ensuring a smooth and even layer!
Baking soda helps with softening the dates, be sure not to skip it. You want them to spread easily so the end result is a nice smooth texture.

  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American