If you ever crave a crumbly and gooey dessert, this Date Bar recipe is for you.  It would be excellent paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream,  and since the glaze can do double duty on the ice cream too – it’s a win win!  Let’s get cooking…

Filling

3 cups chopped dates (you can find these prepackaged in the baking aisle)
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup water

Combine the dates, sugar and water in a small sauce pan. Cook over low to medium low heat, stirring frequently, until it starts to thicken and is bubbly (20-25 minutes).  Remove from heat and let cool.

Dough/Crumbly bits

2 cups flour
3 cups quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup vegetable oil

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease one 9×13 or two 9×9 baking pans. (The 9×13 makes thicker bars.)

Combine the dry ingredients, mix well. Add the oil and stir to combine. This will make a very crumbly dough.

Press 2/3 of the dough into the baking pan(s). Spread the cooled filling evenly over the top. Place the remaining dough on top of the filling and pat it down evenly.

Place on the middle rack in the oven and bake 30 to 35 minutes (25-30 for 9×9).

Remove from oven and let cool. Cut unto 2 x 2 inch bars.

Glaze

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla

Place ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring periodically. (Don’t let it stick to the bottom or burn.) Bring to a boil and boil, whisking constantly, for 3 or 4 minutes. It will thicken a bit. Let cool to warm and drizzle over the top of your date bars. Serve yourself a delectable sized portion and enjoy the fruits of your labor.