Date Nut Bars

These Date Nut Bars are for all of you looking for something that isn’t overly sweet, and a bit on the fruity/nutty side.

Date Nut Bars consist of two yummy layers: a not-too-sweet date and walnut layer sandwiched between two light, buttery layers of oats and brown sugar. The date layer is made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to give it a nice warm flavor with just the right amount of spice, which goes really well with the sweet crumb layers.

I don’t know why, but I feel pretty healthy when I’m eating these, too.  Must be the dates and nuts and no chocolate…

Date Nut Bars

Makes about 2 dozen bars 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dates, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped*
• 1-1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1-1/2 cups quick oats

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan over medium low heat, combine the dates, sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.
• Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
• Once thickened, remove from the heat, and stir in the walnuts.  Let cool while you prepare the cookie base.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and lightly grease a 9×13 pan.
• In the bowl of your mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• On low, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and oats, and mix until combined.
• Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
• Spread the date nut filling over the oat layer, then top with the remaining oat mixture, pressing down slightly with your fingers.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let cool completely before enjoying!

Adapted from Food Network.