Packed with oats, the almost caramelly sweetness of the dates, a splash of cinnamon spice, and swirls of Nutella’s chocolate hazelnut goodness, these bars are texture and flavor heaven.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Spoon
- Butter Knife
- 9x9-inch Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- ¾ cup chopped and pitted dates about 10-12 dates
- 1 ¼ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ cup Nutella or any chocolate hazelnut spread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper
- If your dates are a bit firm, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. Drain the water, chop the dates into small pieces, and set aside
- In a large bowl, stir together your oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, both sugars, egg, vanilla extract, and milk
- Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Then fold in your chopped dates. The batter will be somewhat sticky and thick
- Use a spatula to spread the batter into your pan, pressing down gently into one even layer. Drop spoonfuls of Nutella on the top of your batter - I did 9 dollops altogether - and use a butter knife to swirl it into the top. No need to mix it in fully, just enough to lightly incorporate and create those swirly patterns
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown along the edges. Remove and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper, and place on a wire rack to cool completely
- Slice into 9 squares and enjoy!
