Oatmeal Date Bars

Oatmeal Date Bars Recipe from Oman | Ingredients: Flour, Oatmeal, Dates, Nuts, and More

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Oatmeal Date Bars are a delicious and wholesome treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. These bars are made with a combination of oats, dates, and nuts, making them a nutritious and satisfying option for any time of day.

History

Oatmeal Date Bars have been a popular recipe for many years, with variations found in different cultures around the world. The combination of oats, dates, and nuts provides a hearty and sweet flavor that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

1 cup of white flour
1 cup of raw oatmeal
0.67 cup of packed brown sugar (or 0.5 cup of regular sugar plus 0.25 cup of date syrup)
0.25 tsp of baking soda
0.25 tsp of baking powder
0.5 cup of butter or margarine, softened
1 cup of packed, chopped pitted dates, 0.5 cup of water, and juice of a lemon
(or 1 cup of date paste and 3 tbsp of butter)
0.33 cup of chopped nuts (optional)

How to prepare

To make the filling, boil the dates with the water for approximately 5 minutes or until they become bubbly and soft.
Remove from heat and add the lemon juice and nuts. Alternatively, you can heat the date paste with 3 tbsp of margarine and nuts.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oatmeal, sugar, baking soda, and baking powder.
Cut in the margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press 0.67 of the flour mixture into a 9" x 9" baking pan.
Spread the filling over the pressed mixture.
Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over the top.
Very lightly press the top. Only press enough to help the crumbs stick once cooked, as you want the top to be flaky.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for approximately 30–35 minutes or until the top turns golden.
Cut into squares and serve either warm or cool.

Variations

You can customize the filling of Oatmeal Date Bars by adding different nuts, dried fruits, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to press the top of the bars lightly before baking to ensure a flaky texture.

- You can customize the filling by adding different nuts or dried fruits.

- Store the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Oatmeal Date Bars can be enjoyed on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Oatmeal Date Bars is to press the top lightly before baking to achieve a flaky texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Oatmeal Date Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oatmeal Date Bars on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Oatmeal Date Bars pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Oatmeal Date Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oatmeal Date Bars contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oatmeal Date Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oatmeal Date Bars contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Oatmeal Date Bars contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Oatmeal Date Bars are a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

Oatmeal Date Bars may contain nuts and gluten.

Summary

Oatmeal Date Bars are a nutritious and delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

Oatmeal Date Bars are a delicious and nutritious treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. With a hearty combination of oats, dates, and nuts, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through my kitchen window as I sorted through a stack of old recipe cards that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the cards, my eyes landed on a faded, yellowed piece of paper with the words "Oatmeal Date Bars" scrawled across the top in delicate cursive.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this particular recipe from, but something about it intrigued me. The combination of oats, dates, and cinnamon seemed like the perfect blend of sweet and hearty flavors. I decided then and there that I would give it a try.

As I gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, memories of my own childhood flooded back to me. I remembered watching my own grandmother as she whipped up countless batches of cookies, cakes, and pies in that very same kitchen. She always seemed to have a knack for turning simple ingredients into delicious creations that brought smiles to the faces of everyone who tasted them.

I followed the recipe to the letter, measuring out each ingredient with care and precision. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air as the bars baked in the oven, and I felt a sense of anticipation building inside me. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the pan out of the oven and let it cool on the counter.

The first bite of the oatmeal date bar was a revelation. The chewy texture of the oats, the sweetness of the dates, and the warmth of the cinnamon all came together in perfect harmony. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper.

Over the years, I have made these oatmeal date bars countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing it on just as it was passed down to me. Every time I bake a batch of these bars, I am transported back to that sunny day in my kitchen when I first discovered the magic of this simple yet perfect recipe.

I like to think that my own grandmother would be proud of me, carrying on her tradition of creating delicious treats to share with those I love. I can almost hear her voice as I mix the ingredients together, her laughter ringing in my ears as I pull the bars out of the oven.

As I sit down to enjoy a freshly baked oatmeal date bar with a cup of tea, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of women who have come before me, passing down their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it is comforting to know that some things will always remain the same - like the joy that comes from sharing a homemade treat with those you hold dear.

So here's to my grandmother, and to all the grandmothers who came before her. Thank you for teaching me the art of cooking, and for showing me that the simplest recipes can often be the most special. And thank you for this oatmeal date bar recipe, which will always hold a special place in my heart and in my kitchen.