Healthier Date Bars
Servings: 16
These better-for-you date bars are the perfect chewy, wholesome snack made with Medjool dates, rolled oats, almond butter, and a touch of coconut sugar. Naturally sweetened and packed with fiber, they’re a feel-good treat that delivers steady energy any time of day.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ⅛ tsp sea salt, unrefined
- ¾ cup coconut oil, unrefined room temp (not melted)
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 ½ cup rolled oats
Date Filling
- 1 ½ cup dates pitted and chopped (14 medjool dates)
- ½ cup coconut flakes
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and prepare an 8x8 pan with parchment paper or grease it.
- Combine ground flaxseed and water in a small dish. Allow to soak for 10 minutes.
- In a food processor, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Pulse to mix.
- Add in coconut oil and pulse just enough to mix and create coarse clumps.
- Add in coconut sugar, flaxseed mixture, rolled oats and coconut flakes and pulse just to mix it all up. Mixture shouldn’t be dry— if it is, add additional coconut oil.
- Press half the crumb mixture over bottom of pan. Scrape out the remaining mixture into a bowl.
- In the same food processor (just wipe out the chunks), combine dates, maple syrup, almond butter and water. Puree on high speed until it creates a creamy paste. Add more water, if needed.
- Spread date filling over bottom of crust
- Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top of date filling and lightly push down.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 350°.
- Cool completely and cut into squares.
Notes
- Make ahead: These oatmeal date bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezer-friendly: Wrap individual bars in parchment and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temp (or warm in the microwave) before enjoying.
- Customize the flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract to the oat mixture for extra warmth and depth.
- Mix-ins: Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dark chocolate chips make fun add-ins if you want a little texture or indulgence.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bar, Calories: 253kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 75mg, Potassium: 165mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 1IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg