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–+ servings

Dessert Recipe: Dark Chocolate, Date, & Oatmeal Bars

This dessert recipe combines rich dark chocolate, sweet dates, and hearty oats to create a satisfying treat perfect for any time of day. These bars are easy to prepare and bake, making them a convenient option for a quick, delightful dessert.
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15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 9 pieces

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • 8 × 8-inch square baking pan
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 ounces bittersweet or dark chocolate coarsely chopped
  • 7 Medjool dates pitted and coarsely chopped (about ½ cup)

Variation:

  • If dates aren’t your preference, you can substitute with ½ cup chopped dried figs or dried cherries.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang for easy removal later.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

  • In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and airy, about 2 minutes.

Blend in Egg and Vanilla:

  • Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the egg and vanilla extract.
  • Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

  • Lower the mixer speed and gradually add flour, oats, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Mix until all dry ingredients are just combined, ensuring no dry streaks remain.

Fold in Chocolate and Dates:

  • Remove the bowl from the mixer.
  • Using a spatula, gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate and dates (or your preferred dried fruit), making sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.

Spread and Bake:

  • Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan, pressing it evenly into the edges.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges appear set.

Cool and Serve:

  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  • Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice them into 9 squares and serve.

Notes

  • For a nutty variation, consider adding ½ cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) along with the chocolate and dates.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Adjust the sweetness by using milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a milder flavor.
Keyword Chocolate oatmeal dessert, Date bars recipe, easy dessert recipes, Oatmeal chocolate bars, quick dessert ideas
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