Indulge in the delightful combination of hearty and healthy ingredients that these Canadian date bars with oatmeal crumble topping have to offer. Packed with an assortment of tasty elements, including dates, oats, coconut, and cinnamon, each bite is a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as part of a leisurely brunch, or as a unique dessert, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The varied flavour profiles and textures in each bar make it an excellent snack option at any time.
How to Make Homemade Date Bars
Before diving into this recipe, I’m curious – have you had the pleasure of trying these date bars before? For those familiar with Vancouver Island, they might be more commonly known as matrimonial squares or matrimonial cake. Once we get started, it’s hard to stop! To begin, combine white sugar and dates in a pan with some water, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and letting it simmer for about half an hour, or until it reaches a thickened consistency.Next, process oats, flour, coconut, cinnamon, salt, and brown sugar in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Now that we have our date crumble mixture ready, let’s prepare the baking dish by greasing it and pressing some of the crumb mixture into place. After spreading the date mixture on top, add the remaining crumbs, gently pressing them down to ensure they adhere. Finally, bake the Canadian date squares for about half an hour, or until they take on a slightly golden hue, before allowing them to cool, cutting them into squares, and indulging in their sweet, gooey goodness.
Which Type of Dates to Use
When it comes to dates, there’s a significant difference in their natural sweetness levels. This is crucial to consider when baking, as using very sweet dates can throw off your entire recipe. For instance, Medjool dates are known for their large size and intense sweetness. In contrast, Deglet dates are smaller and relatively less sweet. If you’re working with Deglet dates, you can stick to the original recipe without modification. However, if you’re using Medjool dates, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of sugar in your recipe by anywhere from one-third to half. Always remember that it’s better to err on the side of caution and taste the mixture as you go, adding more sugar if needed.
Canadian Date Crumble Bars FAQs
These Canadian date bars with oatmeal crumble topping will retain their freshness for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life up to a week. For longer preservation, it’s recommended to freeze the completely cooled date bars. As for their nutritional value, dates are a nutrient-dense food, providing essential vitamins like B6, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and antioxidants. In fact, you can substitute date paste for sugar in many recipes at a 1:1 ratio. When it comes to serving these date squares with oatmeal crumble topping, their versatility is one of their greatest strengths. Enjoy them as a satisfying breakfast or brunch addition, or take them on-the-go for hikes, road trips, picnics, or potlucks. They’re equally suitable as a sweet treat after dinner or a healthy snack any time.
Canadian Date Bars with Oatmeal Crumble Topping Recipe
Date Bars
These delectable Canadian date bars, topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumble, perfectly blend healthiness and indulgence. The combination of natural sweetness from dates, wholesome goodness from oats, the subtle richness of coconut, and warm spice from cinnamon creates an irresistible treat. Enjoy these homemade treats for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of your brunch spread. With a preparation time of 45 minutes, cooking time of 30 minutes, and a total time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can indulge in 24 delicious bars.
Instructions
Combine water, sugar, and dates in a small saucepan, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing heat and simmering for 30-35 minutes with occasional stirring. This process will thicken the sauce slightly, which can be set aside once complete. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a food processor, combine oats, flour, coconut, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt before adding butter and processing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Divide this crumb mixture into three portions: press two-thirds of it evenly into the prepared baking dish, followed by spreading the date mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the dates and gently press it down to ensure even contact. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to cool before cutting into squares.