Home > Recipes > Oatmeal Date Bars

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe

I've been making these bars for almost 50 years. I remember my dad saying they were the best he ever tasted. Use your food processor to easily grind the oats.

[X]

Rate Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe

Click on stars to rate

Would you make this recipe again?

Write a review

[X]

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe

Prep: 30 min. + cooling Bake: 15 min. + cooling

Yield: 36 Servings

30 15 45

Ingredients

2 cups quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
FILLING:
3 cups chopped dates (about 1 pound)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk

Directions

Place oats in a food processor, cover and process until finely ground; set aside. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Combine the oats, flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Divide in half. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of dough to fit a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan; set aside.
In a large saucepan, combine the dates, sugar, water and lemon juice if desired; bring to a boil. Cool for 10 minutes.
Spread over crust. Roll remaining dough to fit pan; place over filling and seal edges. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Combine glaze ingredients; spread over bars while warm. Cool on a wire rack before cutting. Yield: 3 dozen.

Nutritional Facts 1 serving (1 each) equals 174 calories, 5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), trace cholesterol, 81 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 2 g protein.

Originally published as Oatmeal Date Bars in Best of Country Cookies , p89