Oatmeal Date Bars

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup salted butter, melted

• 1 1/2 cup water

• 1 1/2 cup chopped, pitted dates

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp lemon zest

• 1 cup oats

• 1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

• 1 cup dark brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring water to a boil and add dates. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until a thick paste forms.

2. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

4. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter. Line with parchment paper (or baking paper); set aside.

5. Combine flour, oats, cinnamon, brown sugar and salt in a bowl.

6. Pour melted butter into dry ingredients and stir with a fork until a crumbly mixture forms.

7. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.

8. Spread date paste over the top of the flour mixture.

9. Add remaining flour mixture and lightly press down over date paste.

10. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges browning.

11. Remove and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing into 16 bars.