Best 10 Grandmas Date Bars Recipes

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Indulge in a nostalgic treat with Grandma's Date Bars, a classic dessert bursting with sweet and chewy goodness. These delectable bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a layer of tender dates and a crunchy oat topping. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful symphony in every bite. This recipe includes two variations: the traditional date bars with a simple glaze and a decadent chocolate-dipped version for an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you prefer the classic or the chocolate-dipped variety, these date bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and transport you back to cherished memories of Grandma's kitchen.

Let's cook with our recipes!

GRAN'S DATE BARS



Gran's Date Bars image

This is one of my favorite recipes handed down from my grandmother; hands down it makes the best date bar that I have ever had. Enjoy!

Provided by cherie

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     Bar Cookie Recipes

Time 48m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces dates, chopped
½ cup water
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup chopped walnuts
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Bring dates and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer and stir until thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla extract.
  • Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, walnuts, salt, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add melted butter; mix until blended.
  • Pour 2/3 of the oat mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish, pressing over the bottom and sides. Spread the date mixture over the oats; crumble remaining oat mixture evenly on top. Press down lightly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 264.5 calories, Carbohydrate 38.6 g, Cholesterol 22.9 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 3.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 234.4 mg, Sugar 22.5 g

GRANDMA'S OATMEAL BARS



Grandma's Oatmeal Bars image

While I was growing up, I enjoyed my grandma's oatmeal bars every Christmas. This recipe reminds me of her and Christmastime as a child. And now I fix the bars for my family. -Nancy Hawkins, Brookville, Indiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound pitted dates, quartered
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3/4 cup shortening
Whipped cream, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, combine dates, water and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened and dates are tender, stirring constantly, 7-9 minutes. Remove from heat., In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, vanilla, baking soda, salt and almond extract. Cut in shortening until crumbly. Press half onto bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Carefully spread with date mixture. , Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over filling; press down gently. Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. If desired, serve with whipped cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 207 calories, Fat 7g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 79mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (25g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

GRAMMA'S DATE SQUARES



Gramma's Date Squares image

A date filled bar with a chewy oatmeal crust. This is my grandmother's recipe, which my whole family loves.

Provided by Mai Forrester

Categories     Desserts     Cookies     International Cookie Recipes     Canadian Cookie Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups rolled oats
1 ½ cups sifted pastry flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup butter, softened
¾ pound pitted dates, diced
1 cup water
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, combine oats, pastry flour, salt, 1 cup brown sugar, and baking soda. Mix in the butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch square baking pan.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, water, and 1/3 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil, and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice, and remove from heat. Spread the filling over the base, and pat the remaining crumb mixture on top.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in preheated oven, or until top is lightly toasted. Cool before cutting into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 363.1 calories, Carbohydrate 63.7 g, Cholesterol 30.5 mg, Fat 12.5 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 217.4 mg, Sugar 41.8 g

OLD-FASHIONED DATE BARS



Old-Fashioned Date Bars image

Make and share this Old-Fashioned Date Bars recipe from Food.com.

Provided by PalatablePastime

Categories     Bar Cookie

Time 35m

Yield 24 bars

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup butter or 1 cup margarine, softened
2 1/3 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3 cups pitted dates, coarsely chopped
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time.
  • Stir in vanilla.
  • Mix together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; and gradually add to the creamed mixture.
  • Fold in the dates and nuts.
  • Spread the batter evenly in a greased 13x9 baking pan and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or until golden.
  • Cool in pan.
  • Cut into approximately 24 bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 298.9, Fat 11.8, SaturatedFat 5.4, Cholesterol 43.6, Sodium 124.5, Carbohydrate 47.5, Fiber 2.3, Sugar 32.7, Protein 3.4

GRANDMA KAPHINGST OATMEAL DATE BARS



Grandma Kaphingst Oatmeal Date Bars image

Here is another one of Grandma's date recipes, it sounds so easy.

Provided by Susan Magness @imbossmare

Categories     Cookies

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup(s) brown sugar
1 - egg
1 3/4 cup(s) oatmeal
1 teaspoon(s) soda
1 1/2 cup(s) flour
3/4 cup(s) butter or shortening
1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1 teaspoon(s) vanilla
- filling:
1 package(s) dates, chopped
1 cup(s) sugar
1/2 cup(s) water

Steps:

  • FILLING: Boil until thick-cool.
  • Mix shortening, sugar and egg, add oatmeal, flour, soda. Spread half of batter in bottom of pan, then filling and remaining batter.
  • Bake about 1/2 hour in 325 degrees

DATE BARS



Date Bars image

Dessert ready in about an hour! Enjoy classic date filled bars in a new way - a wonderful treat.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups chopped pitted dates (1 lb)
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 3/4 cups all-purpose* or whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In 2-quart saucepan, cook filling ingredients over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Cool 5 minutes.
  • Heat oven to 400°F. Grease bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with shortening.
  • In large bowl, stir brown sugar and butter until well mixed. Stir in flour, oats, baking soda and salt until crumbly. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly in bottom of pan. Spread with filling. Top with remaining crumb mixture; press lightly.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until light brown. Cool 5 minutes in pan on cooling rack. Cut into 6 rows by 6 rows while warm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Carbohydrate 25 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 2 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Bar, Sodium 85 mg, Sugar 17 g, TransFat 0 g

GRANDMA'S DATE BARS



GRANDMA'S DATE BARS image

I hope she knows, somehow, what a hit her yummy date bars are with the family, especially with a certain one of her grandsons. Every now and then I make up a batch and share some with him, to remind him of his grandma and her wonderful food. Here ya go, Brian, don't eat too many, now! Photo by:...

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories     Cookies

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 c shortening, butter flavor
2 c brown sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 c chopped pecans or walnuts
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c chopped, pitted dates

Steps:

  • 1. Melt shortening in a large pan. Add brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  • 2. Mix flour, salt and baking powder in a separate bowl and then add to above mixture. Stir in the nuts and dates.
  • 3. Bake in a well-greased 9x13" pan in a pre-heated 325-degree oven for 35-40 minutes, or untl bars are a golden brown.

BEST DATE BARS



Best Date Bars image

Date recipes are some of my favorite desserts to cook up. These date treats are very easy to bake, and one sheet of them will yield 48 good-sized bars. I sometimes add nuts, coconut or candied fruit. -Dorothy DeLeske, Scottsdale, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 40 bars.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2-1/2 cups pitted dates, cut up
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups water
1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, optional
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until very thick. Stir in walnuts, if desired; cool. , Sift the flour, salt and baking soda together in a large bowl; add oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle water over mixture; stir lightly. Pat half into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Spread with date mixture; cover with remaining oat mixture and pat lightly. , Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts :

DATE OATMEAL BARS



Date Oatmeal Bars image

In no time at all, you can treat your family to these bars. They'll never suspect how light the snacks are. -Helen Cluts of Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 large egg white, room temperature

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Place dates, water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring constantly., In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt; stir in melted butter and egg white. Press half of the mixture into an 8-in. square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Spread carefully with date mixture; top with remaining oat mixture. , Bake until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 182 calories, Fat 4g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 114mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

DATE BARS



Date Bars image

I used to be the cafeteria manager at a grade school and these bars were always a hit.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 3-4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2-1/2 cups chopped dates
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups water
1/3 cup broken walnuts, optional
1-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 tablespoon water

Steps:

  • In a saucepan, combine dates, sugar and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until thick. Stir in nuts if desired. , Meanwhile, in a bowl, sift together flour, salt and baking soda. Add oats and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add water and mix lightly. Press half into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Spread date mixture on top. Cover with remaining oat mixture; pat lightly. , Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 113 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 112mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

Tips:

  • Choosing Dates: Opt for soft and plump dates for a moist and flavorful bar. Deglet Noor or Medjool dates are excellent choices. If using dried dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before using.
  • Oatmeal: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for a chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats can be substituted, but they may result in a softer bar.
  • Nuts: Feel free to mix and match your favorite nuts. Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all great options. Chop them coarsely for a satisfying crunch.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness of the bars. If using salted butter, omit the additional salt in the recipe.
  • Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the bars during baking. They are done when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Conclusion:

Grandma's Date Bars are a delightful treat that combines the goodness of dates, oats, nuts, and a sweet and buttery filling. With their chewy texture, rich flavor, and nostalgic charm, these bars are sure to be a hit with people of all ages. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack, a dessert, or a special treat for gatherings, these bars are a delicious and satisfying choice. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking journey that will fill your kitchen with sweet aromas and create a batch of delectable date bars that will be cherished by all.

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