Oatmeal Date Bars

Dates are high in dietary fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, vitamins A1, B2, B3, B5 and contain more than 20 different amino acids. These acids help you digest and assimilate carbohydrates easier and control blood sugar levels and fatty acids content in your body. Selenium lowers the risk of cancer and heart diseases, plus helps to keep your immune system healthy.

I found this recipe in a Weight Watchers cookbook and I altered it only slightly. If you do Weight Watchers, each bar is 3 points. They will really satisfy a sweet tooth.

Oatmeal Date Bars

3 cups chopped dates (this is 2 bags of dried, chopped dates)
1-1/2 cups water
1/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup regular oats
1/4 cup wheat germ
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375. Combine dates and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Set aside.

Beat butter and brown sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Add remaining ingredients. Stir well.

Press 2 cups of the oat mixture into a greased 11 x 9 baking dish. Set remaining 1 cup aside for topping. Bake at 375 for about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and spread date mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle with remaining oat mixture. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes or until golden. Cut into bars.


Combine dates and water in a medium saucepan:

Simmer until thickened. It will look like this:

Combine oatmeal mixture in a separate bowl:

Press into a greased baking dish:

Top with date mixture:

Top with remaining oat mixture and bake.