Healthy Date Oat Squares

A no bake dessert or snack featuring a rich walnut crust and naturally sweetened date filling. A delicious treat made using better-for-you ingredients. These healthy date oat squares make the perfect lighter treat when you are craving something sweet, but still want it to nourish your body.

I’ve been on a mission to eat more dates lately, since dates are naturally sweet and delicious, I’m happy to increase my consumption as dates are a beneficial addition to the diet, since they are rich in fiber, which can promote digestive health and relieve constipation. They are also rich in magnesium, which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Paired with the antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, these bars are a grain-free, nutritious treat!

Would you believe me if I said you can make a delicious date oat bar without any processed sugar or oil? That’s exactly what I did to create these healthy date oat squares. I’m using whole dates only to sweeten along with a splash of honey  and tahini as a healthier alternative to butter.

The bars start with an oatmeal crust and topping and they are stuffed with a delicious date filling.  A copycat recipe based on an original Betty Crocker recipe from years ago, these are the ultimate date bars.  They are not only scrumptious but addicting too!

Dates are one of my favourite ingredients to use in healthier desserts. They add so much natural sweetness, meaning you don’t need to add as much sweetener.

I do like using Medjool dates because they are soft, gooey and have a lovely fudgy texture to them. I do appreciate they are not the cheapest ingredient, and in fact can be expensive, so you can use other types of dates instead. I like to soak ordinary dried dates in water which allows them to break down into a spreadable paste at a fraction of the price of Medjool dates.

These healthy date oat squares are so wholesome and easy to make. You definitely need to give them a go! They make a lovely lighter dessert when you are craving something sweet, but nourish your body at the same time. They are a good source of fibre from the dates and oats.They also contain 5g of protein per serving!

Date squares are a great treat for packing in school lunches or taking to work with you. They are also great for a work or study break as they will fuel your energy but not with the extreme effects of sugar.

Another plus is that they’re so easy to make and so delicious. These treats taste so good you might forget they are super healthy as well. What an amazing combination. Enjoy!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword clean eating dessert or snack, healthy date bars, healthy date oat squares, no bake date bars, no bake date oat bars '

Servings 16

Ingredients

Base & Crumble Topping

• 2 cups walnuts or almonds
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) or any other nut butter
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

Date Filling

• 2 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1-2 tablespoons water or more if needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Base & Crumble Topping

• Line an 8 x 8” baking pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

  Place walnuts in a food processor and process until broken down and crumbly.

  Add rolled oats, tahini, coconut, honey and coconut oil in food processor and process until well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your crumbly base and topping mixture.

  Scoop out around half the mixture (about 2 cups) and press into lined pan evenly.

   

Date Filling

• Process dates in food processor until smooth adding water a tablespoon at a time until mixture is spreadable. A few lumps of dates are ok.  It should be a thick paste. Scoop out on top of crumble base in lined pan.

  Scoop out the remaining crumble mixture and place on top of date puree.

  Use your fingers to gently press the crumble topping into the date filling.

  Place in fridge to set for 1-2 hours.

  Once set remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into 16 bars or more smaller squares.

  Store leftovers in the fridge or freeze for later.

   

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites