Old Fashioned Raisin Date Bars

Looking for a delicious treat to make with your family that’s a bit different than the norm? Then look no further than these delicious date bars with raisins!

These bars are easy to make, wonderfully sweet, and full of flavorful ingredients. Whether they’re enjoyed as a pick-me-up during long days or served as dessert after dinner, date bars will be sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family—you’d be amazed!

So grab your aprons, and let’s get baking!

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Why you should give old fashioned date bars a chance

First of all, I know that a date bar isn’t the most glamorous of desserts. But, if you’ve ever tried one, you know just how delicious they are. And if you haven’t? Then this is your chance!

You need to try this super easy date bar recipe as soon as possible.

Why? Because they are amazing.

My mom used to make these bars every Christmas, and it was one of her favorite cookie recipes. When I got a little older, I discovered just what a gem this recipe is. Even with less sugar than most desserts, raisin date bars are incredibly tasty and absolutely deserve a spot at the dessert table.

Related: Looking for more gluten-free Christmas cookies? Check out this list of 45+ to inspire you!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these yummy raisin date bars.

• Raisins
• Dates
• Sugar
• Water
• Chopped walnuts
• Softened butter or margarine
• Shortening
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Quick cooking oats

How to make date bars

I experimented with at least six different varieties before settling on this perfect version. I am so happy with how well this recipe turned out. It’s everything I hoped for and then some!

Here are my step-by-step directions for how to make raisin date bars:

1. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

2. Next, mix the raisins, dates, 1/4 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan. Heat to boiling over low heat while stirring occasionally. Keep the mixture boiling while stirring occasionally until it thickens – this will take about 10 minutes.

3. Once it has become thick, stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and set aside.

4. Next, grab a 13 x 9″ glass pan and grease it. In a bowl, mix up the butter, shortening, and brown sugar.

5. Then stir in flour, salt, baking soda, and oats.

6. Press half of the crumbly mixture from the bowl into the greased pan. Then carefully spread the date filling over top. Sprinkle the remaining crumbly mixture on top, pressing down lightly.

7. Place the pan in the oven and bake it until it turns light brown. In my oven, this takes about 25 to 30 minutes. 

8. While warm, cut into bars carefully. My grandmother and my mom always cut these in diamond shapes, so I do too. 🙂

You’re supposed to let the bars cool completely before digging in so they don’t crumble apart, but I can never wait that long. They are so so good!

FAQs

How do I store homemade date bars?

Once cooled, store your date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can wrap them and freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Can I make these date bars gluten free?

Absolutely! This recipe works very well as a GF one.

To make these date bars gluten free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I do recommend using slightly less gluten free flour than regular (I use 1.25 cups GF vs 1.5 cups of regular flour).

You will also want to make sure you purchase oats that are certified gluten free since there is often cross-contamination.

What kind of raisins are best for this recipe?

You can use any type of raisins for this recipe, but I personally prefer using black raisins.

However, golden raisins work well, too, as they have a slightly sweeter and more mild flavor compared to regular raisins. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand!

I hope you add these to your holiday baking list—I promise you they are incredible!

More holiday baking ideas:

• Frosted Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
• Easy Fantasy Fudge Recipe
• Seven Layer Cookie Bars (Magic Cookie Bars)
• Easy Yet Impressive Peppermint Bundt Cake

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