There’s something truly magical about enjoying homemade desserts that bring together the warmth of family gatherings and the sweetness of shared memories. Our Salted Caramel Date Bars are the perfect embodiment of such moments. With their gooey date filling, buttery crust, and a hint of sea salt to elevate the caramel, these bars are not just a treat but an experience. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want to surprise your loved ones with something deliciously unique, this recipe has got you covered. Delve into this delightful dessert and let each bite remind you of the joy and creativity that cooking with family brings.
Recipe Summary
| Prep Time: | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 50 minutes |
| Servings: | 16 bars |
| Skill Level: | Intermediate |
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
- In a small saucepan, combine the chopped dates and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates are soft and the mixture is thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened and the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan, pressing down firmly to form an even layer.
- Spread the date mixture evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the date layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing down lightly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with a light pinch of sea salt. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out the parchment paper and cutting into bars.
Helpful Tips
For an extra hint of flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the oat mixture. If you’re new to making caramel sauce, store-bought salted caramel will work wonderfully. To make the bars vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or your favorite plant-based butter alternative.
Storage Instructions
Store the salted caramel date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredient Substitutions
If dates aren’t available, dried figs can be used as an alternative. You can also use gluten-free flour and oats to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Pairings and Complements
Serve these bars with a warm cup of spiced tea or a rich, freshly brewed coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen. We hope you find as much pleasure in making these Salted Caramel Date Bars as we do. Don’t forget to share your delicious results with us and pass this recipe along to friends and family. For more delightful recipes, follow Zynahz on social media and sign up for our newsletter. Happy cooking!
