Date & Oat Bars Recipe – Easy Golden Syrup Oat Slice

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Date & Oat Bars Recipe – Easy Golden Syrup Oat Slice

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a sweet treat that’s almost healthy, right? These Date & Oat Bars are exactly that – chewy, golden, and packed with goodness. I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe years ago, and it’s become a family favourite, especially when I need something quick to bake for a potluck or just a cozy afternoon tea. They’re wonderfully comforting and disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Date & Oat Bars are seriously simple to make. They require minimal ingredients and no fancy equipment. Plus, they’re wonderfully adaptable – I’ll share a bunch of variations later on! They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even a healthier dessert. Honestly, who can resist a chewy, oaty, date-filled bite?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious bars:

• 100gm date paste
• 2 tbsp water
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 100gm butter
• 50gm brown sugar
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• 150gm rolled oats

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Date Paste – types & uses: You can buy date paste ready-made, or easily make your own by blending pitted dates with a little water. Medjool dates work beautifully for a rich, caramel-like flavour. Date paste is a fantastic natural sweetener and binder in baking.

Golden Syrup – regional variations & substitutes: Golden syrup is a key flavour here! It’s a British staple, but you can find it in many international stores. If you can’t get your hands on it, light corn syrup or even maple syrup (though it will alter the flavour slightly) can work in a pinch.

Rolled Oats – quick vs. old-fashioned: I prefer using old-fashioned rolled oats for these bars. They give a lovely chewy texture. Quick-cooking oats will work, but the bars will be a little softer. Avoid instant oats, as they’ll become mushy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! It’s easier than you think.

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 4-inch square baking pan with parchment paper – this makes it so much easier to get the bars out later.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the date paste, water, and baking soda. Heat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes smooth. It should look lovely and glossy! Set this aside for a moment.
3. Now, in a separate pan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and golden syrup together. Stir until everything is nicely combined and the sugar has dissolved.
4. Add the rolled oats to the melted butter mixture and stir well, making sure all the oats are coated.
5. Time to assemble! Press half of the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Then, pour the date mixture over the oats and spread it into an even layer.
6. Top with the remaining oat mixture, pressing it down firmly to flatten. You want a nice, compact layer.
7. Bake for around 40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and set. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper and cutting them into squares. Patience is key here!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! These bars are best when they’re still slightly chewy.
• Lining the pan with parchment paper is a lifesaver. Trust me.
• If your date paste is very thick, add an extra tablespoon of water to the saucepan.
• For easier cutting, chill the bars in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation: Swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative. It works beautifully!
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Spice Level: Add a teaspoon of warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat mixture for a cozy flavour. My grandma always added a pinch of cardamom!
Nut-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check your golden syrup if you have severe allergies.
Bake Time Adjustments for different ovens: Every oven is different! Start checking the bars around 35 minutes. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also lovely with a cup of chai or a glass of cold milk. They’re perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a simple afternoon treat.

Storage Instructions

Store the Date & Oat Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well – just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?

You can, but brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavour and helps keep the bars chewy. Granulated sugar will work, but the texture might be slightly different.

What is golden syrup and where can I find it?

Golden syrup is a thick, golden-coloured syrup made from sugar cane. You can usually find it in the international aisle of larger supermarkets, or online.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.

How do I prevent the oat bars from being too crumbly?

Pressing the oat mixture firmly into the pan is key. Also, don’t overbake them!

Is it possible to add nuts or seeds to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) to the oat mixture.

Enjoy baking (and eating!) these Date & Oat Bars. I hope they bring a little sweetness to your day! Let me know in the comments if you try them and how they turn out.