These Gluten Free Date Bars are seriously dreamy! They make the perfect energizing on-the-go snack, and are a healthy option because they are free of added sugars. Easy-to-make oatmeal date and walnut bars will be a new family favorite!
If you love date-sweetened treats, try this incredible Chocolate Quinoa Cake or these moist Double Chocolate Chip Muffins.
Contents
Oatmeal Date Bars: Healthy Snacks for Travel
These date bars continue to be a big hit at our house.
This recipe was first developed because I was looking for a healthy sugar free snack that would pack and travel well. I wanted a sturdy oatmeal cookie base that would cut nicely into squares without crumbling, and still be delicious after being tossed in a backpack for 10 hours.
The best part of these bars is the silky date caramel filling. If you’ve never processed dates into a “caramel,” you’re missing out. In my opinion, it’s better than real caramel.
THIS date caramel! It’s magical. All it is is dates, and a little splash of lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt to help bring out the caramel flavor. When frozen (I like to keep these bars in the freezer for the best texture), the dates harden and are even chewy like caramel.
And the rest of the ingredients in these bars?! Totally nutritious. Whole oats. Flax. Egg. Coconut Oil. Walnuts. Talk about a lot of fiber, a lot of omega 3s, and a lot of chewy deliciousness going on.
These could be brunch, a pre-workout boost, or dessert.
What You’ll Need
Oatmeal Cookie Layer:
- Certified Gluten Free Oatmeal
- Flax Meal
- Egg
- Walnuts
- Coconut (unsweetened)
- Medjool Dates
- Salt and Baking Soda
- Coconut Oil
Date Caramel Layer
- Medjool Dates
- Salt
- Lemon Juice
How to Make Oatmeal Walnut Date Bars
Step 1: Add 1 cup of the oatmeal to a food processor, and process into oat flour.
Step 2: Into the food processor bowl, add the dates, coconut, sea salt and baking soda. Process until the dates are broken up.
Step 3: Add the remaining 1/2 cup of oatmeal and the walnuts, and pulse to break them up, leaving both with some texture.
Step 4: Add the egg, coconut oil, and flax meal. Pulse these into the dry ingredients to create a cookie base.
Step 5: Reserve 1/2 cup of the cookie base to use as the crumble topping.
Step 6: Press the rest of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 pan. I like to use baking paper to make these easy to pop out and slice when they are ready.
Step 7: Make the date caramel by adding the dates, lemon juice, and sea salt to a cleaned food processor bowl. This process will take 5-10 minutes depending on how powerful your processor is.
Every minute or so, I use a spatula to scrape the dates back down and press them around the blade. Once the caramel starts to form, it gets easier to continue processing. It will lighten in color as it gets smoother.
Use wet hands to press the caramel layer on top of the cookie layer.
Step 8: Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top of the date layer to make a crumble topping.
Bake the bars at 325º F for 18 minutes.
Completely chill bars in the refrigerator prior to slicing.
To store these bars, cut them into squares, and the put them into an air tight container. They are fine stores in the fridge, but I always keep mine in the freezer because they will last longer, and the date layer gets really chewy like caramel when they are frozen!
FAQ & Tips for Gluten Free Date Bars
- Gluten Free: To make these gluten free date bars, be sure to buy certified gluten free oatmeal. I use Bob’s Red Mill.
- Medjool Dates work the best. If substituting a different type of date (smaller dates are usually harder), soak them in hot water for 30 seconds, then drain fully, before using. I have used smaller dates before and had good results after soaking them.
- A good quality food processor is needed to process dates into a smooth “caramel.” I suggest one that has at least an 8-cup capacity (the mini processors just aren’t powerful enough).
Other Healthy Date Bar Recipes:
- No Bake Chocolate Almond Date Bars, by Sunkissed Kitchen
- No-Bake German Chocolate Cookie Bars, by Sunkissed Kitchen
Other Date Sweetened Recipes:
- Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Gluten Free Gingerbread Loaf
- Chocolate Quinoa Cake
- Banana Raspberry Bread
I’d love to connect with you on social media! Find me on Facebook or Instagram where I post daily healthy eating and lifestyle inspiration.
Gluten Free Date Bars {No Added Sugar}
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup oats (divided)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 5-6 Medjool dates (4 ounces of pitted dates)*
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons ground flax
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
Date Layer
- 18 Medjool dates (12 ounces of pitted dates)*
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (I like 1/2, but begin with 1/4 and add to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325º F.
- Add 1 cup of the oatmeal to a food processor, and process into oat flour.
- Into the food processor bowl, add the dates, coconut, sea salt and baking soda. Process until the dates are broken up.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup of oatmeal and the walnuts, and pulse to break them up, leaving both with some texture.
- Add the egg, coconut oil, and flax meal. Pulse these into the dry ingredients to create a cookie base.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the cookie base to use as the crumble topping.
- Press the rest of the oatmeal mixture into the bottom of an 8×8 pan. I like to use baking paper to make these easy to pop out and slice when they are ready.
- Use wet hands to press the date caramel layer on top of the cookie layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved oatmeal mixture over the top of the date layer to make a crumble topping.
- Bake for 18 minutes.
- For best results, completely cool before slicing. I like to freeze them before slicing for nicer bars.
- These bars are best stored (and enjoyed!) from the freezer, but also hold up well as a travel snack.
Date Layer
- Make the date caramel by adding the dates, lemon juice, and sea salt to a cleaned food processor bowl. This process will take 5-10 minutes depending on how powerful your processor is.Every minute or so, I use a spatula to scrape the dates back down and press them around the blade. Once the caramel starts to form, it gets easier to continue processing. It will lighten in color as it gets smoother.
Video
Notes
- Completely cool bars before slicing. I allow them to cool to room temperature, and then freeze them for a couple hours, and then they slice into perfect bars.
- These bars are best stored (and enjoyed!) from the freezer, but also hold up well as a travel snack.
- Sub another nut, like almonds or pecans, to make these your own. You can also make them nut free by using pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Dates are fabulous! They aren’t much to look at in my experience, but they really are creamy and delicious. Who’d have thought? I love how these date bars look deceptively decadent, and I can’t wait to try them.
Such gorgeous pics!! These bars are perfect for taking in purse while travelling!
Thank you Ami. Yes, they are perfect for traveling. And healthy enough for an every day snack!
This recipe is really delicious and was one of my favorites, however I recently turned vegan and cannot have these anymore due to the egg. Could I substitute the egg for a flax egg?
Yes! I have made them with a flax egg — 1 tablespoon of flax meal with 3 tablespoons of water. If you make this sub, it’s important the dates you put in the crust are very soft. If they aren’t, soak them in hot water for a few minutes and drain, so they are extra sticky and help hold the crust together. Let me know how they work out for you, Kayla!
Well, you’ve convinced me that it’s time to try dates, it’s on my bucket list but haven’t committed yet. Similar to caramel?!? really? I must incorporate these into recipes because. I love these bars because there’s no sugar added and oatmeal is such a healthy snack food. And anything in the shape of a bar just tastes better =)
Wow, those look delicious! I’m pretty much addicted to dates, so I’m sure I’d love these! 🙂
The date bars recipe is very confusing.
It simply keeps saying add this and that which makes one think it is all done in one food processor.
I ended up mixing it all up and it does not look as nice as the regular date bars . However I guess it still is quite tasty…..
I’m sorry the recipe was difficult for you to follow! I will review it and see if I can make it more clear. Thanks for your feedback, and glad you were able to enjoy them anyway.
Hi,
I am excited to attempt to make these, but it seems like the coconut, dates,baking soda & salt might be in a seperate bowl, though it states to add… add in the food processor bowl is in a seperate bowl? Im still confused. Thanks!!
Hi,
I am excited to attempt to make these, but it seems like the coconut, dates,baking soda & salt might be in a seperate bowl, though it states to add… add in the food processor bowl is in a seperate bowl? Im still confused. Thanks!!
Never mind! I got it! I totally missed the DRY ingredients VS the Date Layer ingredients!! Makes a huge difference!!
I am so glad it ended up working out for you! I will look at those instructions again and see if I can help clarify the process! I’ve had someone else mention they were a bit confusing as well. Thanks for stopping by, Kim! I have lots of date-sweetened recipes in the No Sugar Added sub category of desserts!
After realizing the first 7 steps are the DRY ingredients (adding the 5 dates to the dry might if threw me off)– i I totally understood the directions.I must say these are a new must for my baking days! These Date bars are AMAZING!!
Kim, I really appreciate you coming back to let me know! Those are a favorite in our house too. They were the first date recipe I started making and they have me hooked on using dates in baking. Have a great week!
This is delicious. I cut up and put in the freezer for a sweet chewy treat on the go. How many servings for the 8×8 pan?
Hi Alisha! I am so glad to hear you love these — they are a regular at our house and I’ve been making them for YEARS! I typically cut a pan into 16 small squares because I find they are so rich that a small cookie is plenty.
Ok, this is so confusing ! You’ve said you were going to make changes .
They sounded so yummy, but the instructions keep saying to “add” so it looks like everything is just processed together . ☹️
Hmm, I just read the instructions and it seems pretty clear to me.
Yes, I just tried to make them and I kept adding things to the food processor bowl and then
after adding the egg , salt and baking soda, I thought this just can’t be right. I ended up with
strange batter I poured onto a crust I made and baked it but they don’t taste like date bars.
They came out almost like a weird granola bar. I am glad to see another person was confused about this because I thought I was not reading the directions right.
Funny that you were unable to follow the recipe, seeing as there are step-by-step instructions with photographs! They definitely do not turn out like a granola bar.
I noticed that too. I would love to try these, but it’s too confusing. Sounds amazing though?!
hey really are simple and fast to make!
I found the recipe confusing as well. My cookie crumb was not crumbly. Can you please review your recipe and clarify for me?
I agree! Difficult to follow, poorly written instructions.
Editing those instructions today! Thanks for your feedback.
how much Oat flour would you use in lieu of oatmeal?
I don’t like oat flour for this recipe because it doesn’t have the same texture. It’s too fine. If you need to make a sub, you’d use 1 tablespoon more per half of a cup (so 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon, or 1 cup + 2 tablespoons). Hope this helps!
Hi Michelle! Its like a whole world opened up when I discovered dates too! These bars are simply beautiful, and wholesome. My sweet tooth will be satisfied. Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thank you, Michelle!
Michelle – Just pinned these because they look so good. I don’t think I’ve tried dates – maybe ever – but if they taste like caramel, I’m in.
Dates will change your dessert world! I would much rather know I am getting whole fruit, even if it’s high sugar fruit, than something processed! The flavor is incredible, and you won’t miss added sugar AT ALL!
I’m from Trinidad and I was so confused the first time I saw coconut oil at room temperature in Canada. Still trips me up sometimes lol
These look delish! Pinning 🙂
I never used coconut oil when I lived in the States- so being here, when I read people’s recipes that say to “melt the coconut oil,” I think, melt what??!
yum!! we love dates, just bought some the other day to make a recipe with. love their flavor!! these bars look simple and delicious!
Dates are magical, aren’t they? Such great little packages of delicious sweetness.
I really liked the date squares, and the rest of my family really enjoyed them even though they were not sweet. I like that they did not have sugar, but would like to see the instructions re-written. It is confusing what goes with what. The lemon juice is mentioned in the ingredients but not in the instructions. I have been baking for 60 years, and it is very unusual for me to be confused by a recipe, especially since I have made numerous variations of date squares. You mention. The instructions are not clear…I figured it out, but only from experience as it was really hard to tell what was bottom, middle and top. I think separating each section and clearly labellins it would be helpful. I will make them again with some modifications of my own. Thanks for a healthy recipe!!
Diane
Thanks for the feedback Diane! I will rewrite those, because it is a popular recipe.
Have a great day!
I’ve actually never had them fresh! I will have to search some out next summer.
These look so good – I’m a fan of dates, too! Visiting from SITS
Dates rock! Thanks for stopping by.
I am in the process of making these and had to make 2 batches of the date mixture to fill the 8×8 pan. When making the date layer, does it turn into a ball when finished processing? It does help to have wet hands. I spread it very thin and still only had enough for half the pan. They are in the oven now so I will let you know how they turn out. Thanks.
I’m not sure what went wrong but it turned out so crumbly that I had to turn it into granola. I also had to make two batches of the date mixture to fill the 8×8 pan. I don’t know what I could have done different.
Were you using Medjool dates? If you use dates that aren’t as soft, it helps to soak them in water first. I am sorry to hear they didn’t work out well for you! I will double check the recipe when I make it again, but have made these at least 5 times with success.
The recipe says 5-6 dates and the video shows like 3 times that, so, you didn’t do anything wrong.
Hi Bunny, Dates are listed in two parts of the ingredients. The crust calls for 5-6 dates (which is shown in the video), and the date layer calls for about 18 dates, which is also shown in the video.
Sounds great! I am making them now and notice a discrepancy in the recipe. Ingredient list says 1/2 tsp baking soda, but instructions (#4)refer to baking powder. Soda or Powder? Thanks 🙂
Thanks for pointing that out! It’s baking soda. I hope you enjoy these! We love them.
Success! Thanks – I went with the soda by instinct and they were fantastic 🙂 One thing I added (since I was using packed dates) was half a cup of organic mango juice to the 1 1/2 cups dates – put them in the microwave for a minute or so and it softened them right up, as well as adding a twist to the taste. This recipe is a keeper for sure :)))
Thanks for your message Rosemary! The mango juice sounds delicious– I might be making a variation of these very soon 🙂
Please, these sound wonderful, but they are not gluten free as long as they have oats in them. even the so called “gluten free oats” have some gluten in them. People with Celiac Disease should know this is not gluten free. Just because it doesn’t have wheat flour in it does not make it gluten free. I will try these though because I am not Celiac (just my daughters and grandchildren are). I am trying a vegan lifestyle however. Dates are wonderful!
Many people who don’t eat gluten, like me, do eat gluten free oats. I trust that people with diseases such as celiac know what they can and cannot eat, and take care of their own health.
Hi! Thank you for the easy delicious recipe. Can you please tell me that can I subsitute oat flour instead of using while oats, also how much of oat flour should I be using? Thank you!
Hi Munira! No, I wouldn’t sub oat flour in this recipe. The whole oats give these bars a chewy texture and oat flour would make them crumbly. I actually have a recipe for a cookie that uses nut butter and oat flour — and I imagine if you pressed it into the bottom of a pan, you’d have a delicious crust. Just freeze it well before spreading the date caramel on it — and be sure to report back and tell me how it went! https://sunkissedkitchen.com/sunbutter-blossoms/
I made this recipe tonight for the first time. It was relatively easy and most of the ingredients are things I normally have on hand so that’s a plus. I had to play with the dates a little bit to get them to the right consistency but other than that this recipe was simple and straightforward. The results are incredible, chewy, naturally sweet bars that have a delectable rich flavor and slight crunch. You only need one small bar to feel satisfied. This will become a go-to in my home, thank you!
Wow Emelia, such a great comment. They are on a pretty regular rotation in our house too- a family favorite, that’s for sure!
Such beautiful photos Michelle! I am a huge date lover and my youngest loves lara bars so we are always experimenting. Will have to try yours next time. Yeah, 8 hours is a breeze! Can you contact the airlines you are on to make sure that they can accommodate your food allergens on the way home from the land of OZ and what can they do to accommodate a little mama… Pinned, yummed, shared and sent smoke signals…
I have no problem buying food in Aus and bringing it back with me– there I can actually buy bars and healthy snacks!
I love Lara Bars, too — always bring them back from the States. Do you always end up with bags full of totally random stuff? Security always ends up searching because I have jars of spices, containers of whey, boxes of bars, man, the list goes on… !
Oats have gluten in them
No, oats do not have gluten– If you buy certified gluten free oats. The gluten in oats is from contamination from being grown in fields near gluten containing grains. Some people who are celiac or gluten intolerant are also sensitive to oats, but it is not from gluten.
These bars are great. You got anything in the raspberry bars area. Without sugar?
Raspberry bars without sugar sounds awesome. Unfortunately, I am living in Asia, where berries are very expensive. I have bought frozen raspberries a few times and they are SUPER sour, so attempting a sugar free version of anything raspberry wouldn’t turn out well. But, raspberries are a favorite of mine, so when I am back in the States next summer I will put that on my list 🙂
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed these! We are huge date fans over here. Such a great sweetener. It’s the only way I will ever drink a beverage sweetened– I have a recipe for an Iced Caramel Mocha sweetened with dates, and I also sweeten my Hazelnut Iced Chai with dates. Tastes so much better than anything sugar sweetened 🙂
Love♡♡♡! I made these last night, they are awesome, this is the only truly sugar free recipe I found and these are the best. Thank you for sharing this great recipe!
Thank you so much for letting me know Janice! And for reminding me I need to make them again. I have been out of dates (gasp!) for a while and need to grab a new box. These are a favorite in this house! My husband would be really pleased if he came home to them.
these bars are amazing!! thank you for the recipe! well worth the extra effort!
do you have any more fruit sweetened recipes? i dont use any sugar, honey, sweeteners…. so i’m always on the look out for these type of recipes
Thanks for stopping by and letting me know you enjoyed these! We love them too. All of my recipes are low sugar, but many do use small amounts of honey, coconut sugar or molasses. Some without any kind of added sweetener are my breakfast cookies, the mint chocolate chip smoothie (of course, omit the choc. chips), pretty much any smoothie– I also have a double pumpkin pie muffin that is sweetened with dates (like a muffin with a layer of pumpkin pie baked on top– yum!). I actually have been wanting to experiment more with fruit sweetened recipes, so more will be coming soon!
These look great! We are always looking for low-sugar snacks that satisfy that baked goods craving.
I was hoping to try these today. I just picked up a fresh batch of dates, so I’m almost ready to go!
Have you had any luck substituting the fresh coconut with anything else? Perhaps more nuts or oatmeal? I’m not a big coconut fan.
There is no fresh coconut in this recipe- just shredded coconut. If you don’t like coconut, just omit it. I wouldn’t even sub anything. It’s really not an essential ingredient. That said though, I can’t imagine not loving coconut! I use coconut oil, coconut milk, shredded coconut, coconut butter– I was so thrilled when “they” decided it was healthy and not evil 🙂
Do you have nutrition information on these?
No, I’ve never calculated it! It is something I’m trying to make more of an effort to do though.
These certainly aren’t low calorie treats. I don’t worry about calories a lot when i am eating whole foods– enjoy in moderation!
Couldn’t stop eating them last night when I made them! They are a little salty though, I think. Other than that, pretty good. I added chocolate chips to the top of mine.
Hi Rachel! Thanks for letting me know you tried these! Funny you say they are salty– I just made an adaptation of this recipe last night, and I was thinking the same thing about the crust! I think I will remake these soon and test them with half of the amount, and possibly update the recipe. The new recipe I will be posting soon (with a sugar free blueberry filling, instead of dates) has a reduced amount of salt 🙂
I just made these date squares and absolutely love them! It is wonderful to find what I have been searching for – a healthy treat/dessert to enjoy without any sugar or wheat. This is definitely a keeper for me. The only thing I changed was the amount of salt, reducing it by half, and they were perfect! Thank you so much for this great recipe.
I’ve heard from several readers the salt in these was a bit too much– I have been meaning to make them again to test that so I can change the recipe if needed– it sounds like I do! I guess I like the dates salty because they remind me of caramel that way! Thanks for your comment. I love hearing these are working out for so many people! I also have a recipe for Blueberry Breakfast Bars that are totally gluten and sugar free (based off this date square recipe), and I have a recipe for Double Pumpkin Pie Muffins (an old kind of strange recipe that I absolutely love eating!) that are also all date sweetened!
I brought these to a play group Halloween pot luck and they were a HUGE hit!! The only thing i changed was grinding up the walnuts instead of pulsing them because of young toddlers, I didn’t want anyone choking.
Next time when I make them for just me I’ll keep some walnut chunks for sure 🙂
Thanks for the great recipe!
Great to hear you loved these as much as we do! I have a toddler as well, so I am grinding up nuts or using small seeds in a lot of recipes as well. If you’re interested in other date-sweetened recipes, I just posted a Sticky Date Pudding made with no sugar, and I’m getting ready to post a gingerbread recipe soon that just has dates and a touch of molasses. My fruit pizzas have a small amount of sugar, but are a huge hit with kids!
Thank you so much for this delicious recipe! I’m trying to eat better and its been frustrating trying new recipes that dont turn out. I can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
Thanks for letting me know Megan! These date bars are a favorite around here, and for a lot of my reader’s as well!
Perfect, exactly the recipe I was needing, I’ve seen this in some places but I’ve never done it because I thought it was difficult but now that I’ve seen in your article that it’s simple to do, that’s great thank you.
Great Alice. I hope you enjoy these. If you’re interested in sugar free sweets and treats, I’ve added a new menu item under desserts for Sugar Free Treats. I also have 2 fantastic date-sweetened recipes coming out in the next couple of weeks!
Perfect recipe, looks like it was made for me, I have to do it urgently, I was looking for something like that, thank you very much for the recipe.
Very practical and easy to do, I did not know it was that simple, I’m sure to do.
Love how amazing these look, perfect for that sweet pick me up mid afternoon
These are good– and funny you just commented on them because I am making them as we speak 🙂
Love the natural sweetness, A great cereal bar for an energy boost
I love the natural sweetness of dates, too! I recently started using date syrup as well for when I don’t have time to use dates but need a little sweetness. It’s an amazing sub for syrup on pancakes– I use maybe a teaspoon, and the I love that it’s sweet, but not overly sweet like honey or syrup.
I never use dates, (I’m a fig girl!) but I may just have to pick some up!
I love figs, but can’t buy them when I am in Malaysia! I need to eat lots of those when I am back in the States this summer!
I absolutely love working with dates. They add just the right amount of sweetness. These look perfect!!
I do too, Felesha! They have such an amazing flavor and just the right sweetness to use as a sugar sub. I prefer something like this to actual caramel!
I love this recipe! It makes a healthy, sweet treat and looks easy to make, as well.
Gorgeous photos! These look so delicious, it’d be hard to stop at one.
Thank you! These are so dense, 1 really is enough, which I love! Sometimes I even cut them in half to have just a small sweet treat after a meal.
I’m all about snacks with no refined sugar. These look like one decadent treat!
My husband LOVES date squares. If you can make them healthy….that is even better. Love Bob Mill’s products too. This is perfect with my afternoon latte….but anytime of day works too.
This is my husband’s favorite treat. I haven’t made them in a while until I needed to redo these photos, and he was so happy.
Adoro essas barrinhas, são ótimas para lanches rápidos.
This is a perfect after school snack! Love dates!
Oh my… These date bars look so good! Can’t wait to try them!
I’ve made these several times and they are so yummy! Thank you for the recipe! I make them vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg sometimes and can’t tell the difference. Thanks again for the great recipe!
Thank you for letting me know these work with just a flax egg! I will make them that way next time so I can post the modification. I appreciate you letting me know you are enjoying this recipe, Kim! Have a great weekend.
you said you replace the egg with a flax egg sometimes. the word “sometimes” threw me off. what do you do or use the other times you don’t do flax egg? cause I can not eat eggs.
Hi Michelle! I will have to go read the instructions because that does sound confusing! I have not made these with a flax egg so I can’t tell you if it will work on not. My best guess is that it will work, but the base will be a little more crumbly, so just make sure you’ve allowed them to fully cool before slicing. The other option is to try this vegan version (I’ve made these and they are great – they need to stay refrigerated because the coconut oil is what holds them together) — https://ohsheglows.com/2011/03/28/5-ingredient-no-bake-vegan-date-squares/
thank you for recommending the other recipe but I can not eat almonds. I was super excited about your recipe cause I can eat all the ingredients except the eggs. that’s is why I was curious if I could leave the egg out. or just do the flax egg.
You should definitely try a flax egg! I do use flax eggs often in baking and they do work well – it might help to also add an extra ounce or two of dates to the crust, because they are sticky and will help it hold together better.
I just made these and they are really good and date sweetened to boot! I made it in a 7×7 and it was quite thick so I am thinking to increase the recipe by another 1/2 and bake it in a 9×13 … can you offer any adjustments I should include? temperature/time/ingredients? would it still be ok with just 1 egg or increase the egg to 2? Also I used 1/4 tsp of salt and I think I will increase the salt next time … I don’t taste any saltiness at all.
did I read that you are currently living in Malaysia? Whereabouts? I am also currently in Malaysia – Ipoh! hello fellow expat! Now is close to Ramadan so there are lots of dates available. I usually buy a lot, pit them and freeze until I can use them.
Hi Cecilia! Wow, you are close. I am in KL. I’ve lived here nearly 8 years now. Yes, close to Ramadan, although I will be in the States so I will probably miss the post-Ramadan clearance sales of the Medjools– I’m not sure if they do it in Ipoh, but you can often buy the big boxes of Medjools for 50% off the week after Ramadan. Also, I have found nice big Iranian dates (not as big as Medjools, but really nice) at the market at TTDI for about 1/5 of the cost.
As far as increasing the recipe — I’ve had readers tell me they’ve subbed a flax egg and been successful. Maybe try adding an extra tablespoon of flax (soaked in 1 tablespoon of water first)? I don’t think this recipe is really finicky- you could probably add an extra egg too and have it be just fine. I like the extra salt too– I generally use 1/2 t, but I had a few readers tell me they thought it was too salty. To me, a little sweet/salty is a good thing! 🙂 Enjoy!
I have accidentally landed on your recipe and my god! these are so good ,plus clicks are so amazing.Will give them a try soon.
I’m glad you like this recipe! This recipe is a favorite around here! Thanks for letting me know you found it.
These recipes look really good! i think i´ll have to give them a try for sure!
I think you’ll love them Paula! I get a lot of great feed back on these. One thing to note– weigh your dates. I’ve found different varieties can be very different in terms of the weight of 1 cup, so for the best results, go on weight instead of volume 🙂
OATS aren’t gluten free, just for your information. You may change the title or change oats for another thing, I would like to know what, as a celiac I find really difficult to substitute oats sometimes.
Thanks,
Adrian
OATS aren’t gluten free, just for your information. You may change the title or change oats for something else, I would like to know what, as a celiac I find really difficult to substitute oats sometimes.
Thanks,
Adrian
Actually, oats are naturally gluten free. They are contaminated in processing. which is why they can be dangerous for celiacs. I also know that some celiacs are also sensitive to other proteins in oats, but from my research, that’s a small percentage of celiacs. Have you tried buying the certified gluten free oats that I recommend in this recipe? Here is more reading for you — https://www.coeliac.org.uk/gluten-free-diet-and-lifestyle/gf-diet/oats/
My God how hot a single recipe, I love, I will share with my friends who love to cook just like me.
It is so good to find recipes, without sugar.
Nowadays we need more and more to worry about our food.
I agree! It’s difficult to avoid sugar unless you’re cooking healthy treats at home for your family. I love dates for this reason!
Great post. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing.
Its really looks delicious. Now i can not eat gluten. I will try it for sure. Gongrats
Hi. Making these woth the daycare kids today. One of them is vegan for allergic purposes.
Ooh, these do have egg in the base. I make them that way because the hold together better for traveling. This is adapted from a vegan recipe though! That recipe works great if you can enjoy them while they are still on the cold-side – like right out of the freezer or refrigerator. There is a link to it in the post – from OhSheGlows! Thanks for letting me know you are inspired to try them though!
Muito bom este conteúdo
These bars are practical and tasty, in addition, you can also vary in the flavors. Very good!
Hi Something Vegan! I would love to make these, where can I fin the exact measures? thanks a lot!
Hi, these look great, really want to make them, just wanted to ask can I use coconut oil instead?
The recipe already uses coconut oil — so I am not sure what you are asking about! Which ingredient do you want to sub out?
I love sweet passion, and this one is perfect, excellent to eat and rest in a very quiet afternoon, thank you !!!
Ass: curso de bebe reborn
Thanks for sharing with us these recipes, I’m mouth watering just looking at these pictures. Congratulations on posting.
The nutritional value I am reading is per serving? Or for the whole recipe?
My assistant was helping me out updating some recipes– I see she updated that one incorrectly! That’s for a whole batch. I am fixing the recipe card right now.
These sound delicious and I am going to make them soon! I didn’t read all of the comments so perhaps you have answered this already, I was wondering if there is an egg-free version you’ve tried? My sister has a severe egg allergy so I won’t be able to share mine with her.
Hi Carrie! I actually adapted this recipe from a vegan recipe — the reason I changed it was because the vegan recipe was no bake, and it was chilled coconut oil that really held the crust apart, meaning if they were room temperature they crumbled. The vegan recipe is delicious though and I used to make them that way before I changed it to make them more travel friendly. Just Google “OhSheGlows Date Bars” and you’ll find the original recipe. The other option would be to try an egg replacer – 1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (just put those 2 ingredients in a small dish, mix, and then let thicken until you’re ready to add it). I have never tried an egg replacer in this recipe — my best guess is that it will work, but they might be a bit more crumbly. If you try it, please let me know! Enjoy.
These recipes look really good! i think i´ll have to give them a try for sure! Thanks!!!!
I’m glad you liked it!
These date bars look incredible! I am all about healthier desserts and this recipe is right up my alley!
One of our favorite recipes ever!
Hi Michele
I happened upon this Gluten Free Date Bar while searching for anti-inflammatory deserts and snacks. This sounds delicious. I can’t have coconut or coconut oil so I will search for replacements. Do you have any suggestions on replacements? I would really like to try them since I have never tried dates. Thanks.
Hi Carolyn! You can omit the coconut in the oatmeal layer. The coconut oil can probably be replaced by melted butter – I haven’t tested that. I have used grapeseed oil though and it works fine! It’s a great sub for coconut oil. I am writing an ebook right now on date and fruit sweetened desserts and treats — if you sign up for my mailing list, you will be notified when it comes out!
I have to say (and I never write comments) but the instructions were very confusing. You need to CLARIFY that there are two separate steps (making the oatmeal mixture and then making the date mixture). Up until step six I thought I had to put everything in one processor. After spending the money and taking the time to try and make this recipe, I had to stop right in the middle because I was so confused as to what to do. I’m pissed quite frankly.
Ugh, ignore my last email. I figured it out. I’m sorry. I reread the recipe ALL OVER again and see where I screwed up. Again, sorry.
It’s okay Megan! I always welcome feedback — we are all learning how to write recipes the best way possible and the only way we really know is if people like you actually tell is what worked and what didn’t! I hope you were able to salvage them and they worked for you — one of our favorite recipes at my house, and one of the most popular recipes on my site! Have a great day.
Hello Michelle,
I literally just made your date squares, and I am very happy with the end product. The only thing I did different was sub 1 tablespoon of chia seeds instead of ground flax because I ran out yesterday! (I use everyday on my oatmeal) However, I think the ground flax will go lovely, and I will try this again with it.
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much for letting me know Nina! This is such a popular recipe — and a definitely favorite at our house! The flax is actually optional, since I use an egg, but I like to add it to boost omega 3s when I can!
Hi! I would love to try these but I saw the nutrition facts say that there’s 23g of sugar in just one serving…does that mean this recipe is still healthy? I’m trying to reduce my sugar intake and stay healthy and would like to try this recipe since there’s no refined sugar but I’m kind of worried after seeing the nutrition facts
Yes, dates are very high in sugar! It depends on why you are cutting down on sugar — if you are looking to lose weight, then these are still just as a high calorie as a regular treat. The upside to make fruit sweetened treats is that while you are getting sugar still, you are also getting a does of vitamins and fiber — which is beneficial to your health. I find when eating treats made with whole natural ingredients, I am satisfied with a much smaller portion. It’s definitely a decision you need to make for yourself depending on your healthy goals!
I’m about to try these and have one point of confusion.
The first portion indicates – 5 dates (4 ounces) are needed. The second portion indicates – 18 dates (8 ounces) are needed.
The math isn’t making sense to me – if 5 dates are 4 oz – then 8 oz should be roughly 10 dates.
Or the other way around, if 18 dates are expected to be ~8 oz; then I would expect to need ~9 dates to make the 4 oz.
Can you confirm which is correct please?
You’re absolutely right! I just weighed some, and 6 dates is 4 ounces, and 18 dates is 12 ounces. Updating the recipe right now! I appreciate you pointing that out.
I’ve made these several times over the last year or two and love them! Sometimes I drizzle a little melted chocolate chips over the top before freezing. I make them vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg and it turns out without much noticeable difference. I am not vegan or on a gluten free diet, but I love having this recipe on hand for when I have guests who are vegan, who eat a gluten free diet, or who do not eat refined sugars. Plus, I make them for myself as well. Even my three-year old likes them! Thank you for a great recipe!
Thanks so much for telling me Kim! They are one of my favorite things on the blog out of 400+ recipes! Good idea to sub flax egg– I actually have wondered if it would work and keep them from being too crumbly.
Muito obrigado! Adoro essas receitas.
So good! I managed to make this work with a small food processor by switching to a bowl and using a mixer before adding the egg and flax and oil. Just trying a second batch where I used hazelnuts instead of walnuts, and added 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder to the date caramel, plus some extra water. Can’t wait to try them!
Oooh, your variation sounds so good! I adore chocolate + hazelnuts <3 Thanks for coming back and letting me know!
Adoro receitas sem adição de açucar…obrigado por compartilhar!
Perfect recipe, looks like it was made for me, I have to do it urgently, I was looking for something like that, thank you very much for the recipe.
Very beautiful. I’ll make this recipe today.
I needed something different, I think I found it. Thank you and Congratulations!
Perfect. Thanks and greetings.
You are an enlightened person.
Giving this a try! Excited to see how they turn out. By chance is there an error in the oats quantity? I read the ingredients list to be 1 1/2 cups and to save a 1/2 for later. Then that 1/2 cups (in how I’m reading it) shows to add it twice. Maybe I’m missing something…I am reading it all on a phone and didn’t print it (always try and save the environment from printing things) but figured I’d ask to see if I’m just not understanding.
Many thanks
Jodi
You use 1 cup of oats to process into a flour, and then add the other 1/2 cup later so that their is some oat texture. Later, you reserve 1/2 cup of the cookie base mixture. Sorry if it’s worded confusingly!
Perfect recipe. I was looking for something like that, thank you very much for the recipe.
sadly I can not eat eggs. may I leave them out or do a flax egg substitute? and if I do flax egg do I still use the same amount of flax seed you call in your recipes on top of the flax egg.
Yes, I would add a flax egg and the other quantity of flax as well.
Hi Michelle,
can I use my Vitamix instead of a food processor to make the date mixture? I only have a small food processor.
Thank you
Tana
Hi Tana, Rather that use your vitamix, I would just split the mixture into 2 batches and use your little food processor (if it isn’t a mini). I imagine it would be really difficult to make a smooth date caramel layer in a blender, even a strong one. The vitamix needs some liquid to really get going, and the date caramel is very thick.
These are right up my alley with the no added sugar! They came together surprisingly quickly too. I used Medjool dates and did not soak them. They whipped up perfectly with a couple of T of water. Thank you for the super recipe! It’s great for breakfast with some Greek yogurt.
Thanks for letting me know you love them! One of my favorite things to make of all time.
I was so excited to come across your gluten free recipe featuring dates. Thank you! I can’t wait to make them. At first, I too was confused with the instructions, but upon reading them through a second time it made sense. I think the confusion lies in your generous way of explaining the steps. We, as a whole, are so use to generic instructions. Maybe in step 1. remove the word bowl. In step 3. say “next, add the egg” etc. After that everything makes perfect sense. Thank you again!
Thanks for this Dawn! I know you’ll love these.
These sound delicious! Can I add gluten to make them even better?
Haha, definitely do it!
Thank you! I’ve ALWAYS loved date squares, even before I was trying to eat wheat and sugar free. So I knew these were going to be a yes but while putting them together I realized I was totally craving apricot squares….so I did a 50/50 apricot date filling and it was amazing!
Thanks for the inspiration
Thank you so much for letting me know! I adore this recipe. I have a lot of sugar free recipes on here — and everything is gluten free. YOu should try my double chocolate muffins — to die for, and sweetened with dates. One of my favs!
Absolutely fantastic date bars. Great for food on the go. I must always have around. Healthy snacks. I never eat junk or refined sugar.
Thanks so much Terri! One of my favorite recipes all-time!
My new favorite healthy dessert! They tasted like pecan pie! There’s not many fruit-sweetened recipes out there that taste like these! So good!
I adore them as well! You should explore my other date sweetened recipes — https://sunkissedkitchen.com/category/recipes/dessert/no-sugar-added/
I added cacao powder to the base and sprinkled with chocolate chips and it was irresistible and dangerously good.
Thanks for sharing your photo on Pinterest! They looked SO good! I am definitely adding chocolate the next time we make these 🙂 I have a Raspberry version in my new cookbook that uses a chocolate date layer — be on the look out!
Can I sub walnuts with roasted peanuts? I love them!
I’m allergic to peanuts so have never used them as a sub or something like this — I don’t see why it wouldn’t work? Let me know!
Recipe is hard to understand. Makes no sense
Hmmm — I did provide photos of the steps and a video 🙂
I am attempting to be on a gluten free diet and tried these. I didn’t have coconut oil so I used olive oil instead. Wow! What a treat! I ate the whole pan in three or four sittings and am craving more. Can’t believe these are sugar-free, too! Thank you. Any other recommendations for gluten and sugar free recipes you have?
They are delicious and dates are definitely a better option than sugar! I have lots of date sweetened recipes — and even some sugar free recipes over at blissfullylowcarb.com — maybe try: https://sunkissedkitchen.com/gluten-free-double-chocolate-chip-muffins/ or https://sunkissedkitchen.com/breakfast-cookies-vegan-sugar-option/ — and I adore this avocado pudding — https://blissfullylowcarb.com/keto-avocado-chocolate-pudding/
I made these yesterday with my toddler, who is allergic to eggs; we substituted one flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax : 3 tablespoons water), in addition to the regular flax that was called for. They were a huge hit! And plenty sweet… I don’t know how some recipes can use both sugar and dates?! Will definitely be making these again.
I agree there! Dates are sugar 🙂 Just with vitamins and fiber attached still. Thanks for letting me know!
I don’t have a food processor. Will this recipe work in a VitaMix or high speed blender?
They don’t! The date base is too thick.
Perfect instructions (wet fingers work beautifully to create a satin-y date layer.) In the oven now and will follow your freeze-before-cut tip, too!
Thankyou.
I can’t wait to try these! Is the crust crumb like a normal date square eg. crispy/crumbly or more chewy like an oatmeal cookie? I’ve tried to make sugar free date squares in the past (with a either dates or maple syrup or both? can’t remember, in the crust), and it was too chewy for my liking.
They are probably more similar to an oatmeal cookie in texture — but definitely try them! I think you’ll love them.
What a delight I will practice this recipe here at home.
I want to see the result.
Thanks
Just made these and already eating – so so good! It feels like I’m eating a dessert, but actually having a healthy snack! Also 30 weeks pregnant so trying to incorporate dates where I can and this is a new favorite – thanks for sharing!
Oh, these are delicious! Thanks for letting me know you loved them. While you’re trying to get those dates in — don’t miss these muffins. One of my very favs! https://sunkissedkitchen.com/gluten-free-double-chocolate-chip-muffins/
Well I made these without the coconut, egg (just made a flax egg) and since I didn’t have enough dates used about 1/2 cup dried blueberries + 1 date instead for the crumble and they still came out so good, I usually just eat dates with peanut butter and that’s that but wanted a little extra. Thanks!
Delicious and easy to make! The most difficult part was getting the date layer blended, and that was not too difficult at all. I love that this has no added sugar! I’m always looking for new ways to replace the added sugar in my diet with more fruit. Thank you for the recipe inspiration!
Taste good but the base was very crumbly and too moist.
Maybe you soaked the dates too long? Mine is never moist.
I added a layer of thinly sliced pears that I cooked a little in a cast iron beforehand and it added a really nice flavor.
This is a great recipe! I doubled it the second time around to make more! Tastes just like original date squares, healthier and not as sweet! Family loves them.
Would love to try these but I have a flax seed allergy. Any thoughts as to a substitute?
You can omit the flax seed! It serves no purpose other than to add a little nutrition!
These are DELICIOUS. My only issue was that they fell apart a bit, but I just scooped up the oatmeal bits with a spoon. I didn’t have medjool dates, so I used another, harder kind and unfortunately didn’t read the notes ahead of time to moisten them before. Thankfully, my kick-ass Cuisinart was able to process the dates (with some stabilizing from me), but I think the date layer would be much easier to spread with medjool or softened, dates. I might add a tad bit more oil for the cookie layer next time to see if it holds together better.
Thanks for this–tastes like real caramel bars!
So glad to hear you loved this! When I have harder dates, I just make sure to soak them well. That will also help with the base holding together and not crumbling!
This looks so good! What a great snack to make for the family for the afternoon!
Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?
Thanks for sharing! Can I add other mix ins?
This look so good! What a great recipe to make when you’re trying to stick to the good stuff!
I eat anti inflammatory and no added sugar (just natural surgars). I have made SOOO many desserts with dates. THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST DATE DESSERT I HAVE EVER HAD!! Do you have any other recipes that you LOVE?
Hi Taylor! I am so glad you love these. I do too. I do have a lot of date sweetened recipes, and have new recipes coming out that are entirely fruit sweetened also. I think next you should try these Double Chocolate Muffins — https://sunkissedkitchen.com/gluten-free-double-chocolate-chip-muffins/ — and be sure to sign up for my mailing list because I have a new recipe app that will be out soon where you’ll be able to access all of these easier!
Really delicious! I have been looking for a “healthier” version of carmelitas for a while and even the vegan ones are usually still full of sugar. I added chocolate chips over the date caramel and it is a fairly close approximation of my favorite childhood treat. 🙂 I did soak all my dates for about 15 minutes in hot water, even though most of them were soft – it just makes everything come together more easily. I also went by weight, rather than number because medjool dates can vary quite a bit in size; I had plenty of date caramel to spread over the base. Thanks for the yummy recipe!
I cannot have any oil.
Any sub for the coconut oil??
Can you have butter? Otherwise, I would say swap it for applesauce. It won’t have the same texture but the bars will bake and still be delicious.
Love these are gluten free! Adding this to the must try list.
Can I use date syrup in this recipe?
In place of the dates in the date layer? No, it wouldn’t end up being a thick and chewy layer. I use date syrup to make this amazing caramel sauce — https://sunkissedkitchen.com/vegan-salted-caramel-sauce/ — I also use maple syrup and date syrup in a lot of my cake and cookie recipes!
I like the ingredients but it needed more filling. In all fairness, I used a little bit bigger pan and so the filling may have had to spread out a little thinner but I don’t believe it would have still been enough in an 8×8 pan.
Definitely add more filling ingredient if using a larger pan! We love that part of these too! 🙂
I cannot do any oils. Would applesauce work as a sub for the oil??
Heavenly! Everyone in my home loves this recipe as a breakfast food or afternoon snack.
Totally agreed!